Estudiantes (Argentina) vs Flamengo (Brazil)
A late 87th-minute goal from Alexis Castro and a missed penalty by Memphis in the 101st minute allowed Estudiantes de La Plata to defeat SC Corinthians 1–0 away, securing a 2–1 aggregate victory and reaching the Copa Libertadores semi-finals as they pursue their fifth title in the competition. On Saturday afternoon, head coach Alexander Medina made wholesale changes to the lineup, and El Pincha drew 2–2 away to CA Central Córdoba. They sit ninth in Group A of the Argentine Torneo Clausura with 14 points, three behind the last playoff spot. Estudiantes have won only one of their last five matches across all competitions, alongside one draw and three defeats. However, they are unbeaten in their last seven home matches, recording four wins and three draws. Tomás Palacios and Leandro González Pirez are suspended for Thursday after accumulating yellow cards, prompting the club to recall Marcos Rojo from Racing Club. However, he has not yet been cleared to play by the CONMEBOL and is a doubt. Defending champions CR Flamengo endured a scare but eventually secured their place in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. Thanks to an 83rd-minute goal from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, they drew 1-1 at home against Independiente del Valle, advancing with a 3-1 aggregate victory. On Sunday, Leonardo Jardim’s side defeated Fluminense 1-0 in the Río de Janeiro derby to remain top of the Brasileirao with 64 points from 30 matches, one ahead of SE Palmeiras. O Rubro-Negro are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, recording seven wins and two draws. Three of those matches came on away turf, where they registered two wins and one draw. Jorginho was sent off in the second leg of the quarter-finals and is suspended for Thursday. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Ayrton Lucas and Danilo will also miss the match through various injuries. First leg of what should be a very tight semifinal between two big Libertadores clubs: Estudiantes and Flamengo. The visitors will miss a very important attacking player like de Arracaeta and defensive midfielder Jorginho, Estudiantes has a long history of success in this tournament, so while Flamengo are favorites to advance, I think Estudiantes should be able to at least hold them on to a draw.