At Maracanã, Flamengo defeated Estudiantes 2-1 on Thursday (18th) in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores.
The first half for Flamengo was “textbook”.
After all, within 15 seconds, Pedro opened the scoring and marked the fastest goal in Flamengo’s history in the continental tournament, surpassing Gerson, who, in May 2024, scored against the opponent in 56 seconds.
The lightning goal was the 150th for the striker wearing the Flamengo jersey and the seventh fastest in the entire history of the Libertadores.
Before ten minutes, it was already 2-0. Varela finished first-time from Ayrton Lucas’s cross from the left.
The experienced Uruguayan goalkeeper Muslera appeared twice more to prevent a rout in the first half.
As has been characteristic of Filipe Luís’s team, the pace dropped in the second half.
Even so, Muslera still had work to do against Flamengo’s powerful attack.
Towards the end, the referee sent off Gonzalo Plata, allowing the Argentinians to grow a bit in the match.
In the last minute of regular time, Carrillo scored for Estudiantes, leaving the contest open.
With the victory, Flamengo can even draw in La Plata next Thursday (25th) and still qualify for the semi-finals.
The Argentinians, on the other hand, need to win by one goal to take it to penalties or by two or more to advance directly.
Before that, Flamengo will play the Clássico dos Milhões against Vasco on Sunday (21st) at Maracanã, for the 24th round of the Brasileirão.
📸 PABLO PORCIUNCULA – AFP or licensors
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