Estudiantes La Plata Form
Estudiantes La Plata come into the match unbeaten in their last five games. The hosts have drawn with Talleres (0:0) and Independiente Medellin (1:1), and have beaten Instituto (1:0), Cusco (2:1) and Union (2:1). The home side are traditionally reliable at their own stadium in continental competitions. However, the team are having problems, as the weakened right flank of the defence after the loss of Arzamendia has become the main sore spot.
Key numbers:
- Across 21 consecutive matches in all competitions, Estudiantes La Plata have not conceded more than one goal, but it was Flamengo who scored twice against them in the Copa Libertadores (19 September 2025), and they then allowed two goals again against Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors;
- the team are allowing an average of 1.4 xGA per game in this season's competition – quite a lot for a top club;
- in five of the last six Copa Libertadores matches, the total number of yellow cards has been over 3.5.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Fernando Muslera — Gaston Benedetti, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Tomas Palacios, Eros Mancuso — Ezequiel Piovi, Gabriel Neves — Mikel Amondarain, Facundo Farias, Angulo Setre — Adolfo Gaich.
Unavailable: Santiago Arzamendia (injury).
Flamengo Form
Flamengo travel for this away match after a powerful run of form. Under Leonardo Jardim, the away side have beaten Atletico Mineiro (4:0), Vitoria (2:1), Independiente Medellin (4:1), Fluminense (2:1) and Cusco (2:0) in their last five games. Pedro and De Arrascaeta are one of the most dangerous attacking duos in South America right now, while goalkeeper Agustin Rossi (rating 8.9 in his last match) provides stability at the back. The visitors know how to win away from home in the Copa Libertadores.
Key numbers:
- Flamengo have scored 19 goals in their last seven matches in all competitions;
- in their last three away matches in all competitions, they have scored at least two goals;
- in seven of their last eight away Copa Libertadores matches, Flamengo have lost the offsides count.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Agustin Rossi — Guillermo Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro — Jorginho, Everton Araujo — Gonzalo Plata, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Samuel Lino — Pedro Guilherme.
Unavailable: Erick Pulgar, Lucas Paqueta (both injured).
Who Will Referee the Match
Piero Maza (Chile)
Matches – 26 (international fixtures, 2025 - 2026);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 102;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 5;
Fouls per match on average – 22;
Penalties – 27%.
