Benedetti's Late Strike Changes the Momentum
When Estudiantes de La Plata hosted Flamengo on September 25, 2025, the atmosphere in their historic stadium was electric. The Argentine side trailed after a 2‑0 loss in the first leg and knew a win was non‑negotiable. Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda opted for a bold lineup, slotting young midfielder Gastón Benedetti into the starting XI for the crucial encounter.
From the kickoff, the hosts pressed high, rattling Flamengo’s back line. As the first half wound down, a cross from the right flank found Benedetti positioned on the left edge of the box. In the 45'+2' minute, he unleashed a thunderous volley that slipped past Flamengo’s keeper, Agustín Rossi, and rippled into the net. The goal, a blend of timing and technique, sparked wild celebrations and erased the aggregate deficit, leaving the tie dead‑locked at 2‑2.
Commentators described the effort as a "wonderful finish on the left boot" and praised its sheer audacity. The timing could not have been better; Flamengo had begun to settle into a defensive rhythm, and the Argentine side now entered the break with renewed belief.
In the second half, Estudiantes continued to dominate possession, carving out chances that tested the resolve of the Brazilian defense. A promising strike in the 68th minute was ruled out for offside, denying the home team a potential cushion. Flamengo, meanwhile, threatened on the counter, with forward Gabriel Barbosa forcing a crucial save from Estudiantes’ keeper, Lautaro Musetti.
The match ended 1‑0 to Estudiantes after 90 minutes, meaning the tie would be decided by a penalty shootout—a scenario where experience often trumps flair.
Penalty Drama Seals Flamengo's Spot in the Semis
As the teams lined up for the spot‑kick showdown, the narrative shifted. Rossi, the very goalkeeper who had been beaten by Benedetti’s lob, now stood as Flamengo’s last line of defense. The first two penalties were converted by both sides, leaving the score level at 2‑2.
- Rossi’s first heroics: He dived low to tip away Estudiantes’ midfielder Nicolás Figallo, sending the ball into the left side net.
- Flamengo responded with a cool finish from Everton Ribeiro, keeping the shootout on an even keel.
- On Estudiantes’ third attempt, Santiago Ascacíbar saw his right‑footed shot saved in the bottom left corner by Rossi, a decisive moment that swung momentum firmly in the Brazilian camp.
- Flamengo completed the sequence with a composed strike from Nenê, sealing a 4‑2 victory in the shootout.
Rossi’s double saves earned him plaudits from both sides of the Rio‑Norte divide. Former skeptics among Flamengo supporters now hailed him as a clutch performer, while Estudiantes’ fans could only watch in frustration as their side’s dream slipped away.
Beyond the drama of the penalties, the match highlighted the tactical chess match between Vojvoda and Flamengo’s manager Rogério Ceni. Both managers shuffled formations, with Vojvoda dropping a striker for an extra midfielder to overload the centre of the park, while Ceni introduced a high‑pressing block to disrupt Estudiantes’ rhythm. The adjustments produced an end‑to‑end spectacle that reminded viewers why the Copa Libertadores remains South America’s premier club competition.
For Estudiantes, the night will be remembered for Benedetti’s spectacular volley—a moment that will be replayed on highlight reels for years. The club’s supporters, who turned the stadium into a cauldron of sound, left with a sense of pride despite the exit. Their loyalty and vocal backing created an atmosphere that few visiting squads can match.
Flamengo, on the other hand, booked their place in the semifinals where they will meet Racing Club, another Argentine heavyweight. The Brazilian giants will look to build on the mental toughness displayed in La Plata, while Racing will be eager to challenge a side that has already shown it can survive pressure.
The quarter‑final clash reinforced the essence of knockout football: a single moment of brilliance can tilt the balance, and a calm mind at the penalty spot can define an entire season. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more tactical intrigue, emotional highs, and the kind of unforgettable episodes that keep South American football at the heart of the global game.
