Flamengo vs Estudiantes

Flamengo claimed a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Estudiantes de La Plata at the Maracanã on Matchday 5 of the Copa Libertadores, with the hosts relying on a moment of individual error to break the deadlock. The Argentine visitors had matched their hosts for long stretches, but a second-half blunder proved fatal. Pedro was the cool-headed finisher who took advantage, netting in the 65th minute after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's gross error left the ball served on a plate. The match had earlier produced its own drama when the referee pointed to the spot, only for VAR to overturn the call, replays showed Eric Meza's foul on Bruno Henrique had taken place just outside the box. Tomás Palacios compounded Estudiantes' misery by collecting a second yellow card late in the second half, finishing the game with ten men. Flamengo strengthen their grip on Group A, while Estudiantes now face a must-win final group game against Independiente Medellín to keep their round-of-16 qualification alive.