Defending Copa Libertadores champion Flamengo secured a place in the round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Estudiantes at a packed Maracana on May 20, as Pedro punished a costly mistake by visiting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The Brazilian striker struck in the 65th minute after Muslera miscalculated while attempting to deal with a loose ball in the penalty area. The goal broke open a tense Group A contest in which Flamengo had dominated possession but struggled to convert earlier chances despite sustained pressure in the second half.
Attendance was listed at 53,125 in Rio de Janeiro. The result lifted Flamengo to 10 points from four matches and left Estudiantes third with six points, behind Independiente Medellin on seven. Cusco of Peru remained at the bottom of the group with a single point.
Flamengo became the first team in the group to clinch knockout qualification with one matchday remaining. Estudiantes must beat Medellin at home in their final group fixture to keep their advancement hopes alive, while a defeat would likely relegate the Argentine side to the Copa Sudamericana repechage.
Referee Esteban Ostojich of Uruguay managed the match, which was Group A matchday five of the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Flamengo’s cancelled matchday four fixture against Independiente Medellin in Colombia, halted by fan trouble, left the Brazilian side with an unassailable points advantage once Pedro’s goal stood.
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Sources:
https://www.outlookindia.com/sports