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.