Estudiantes Face Flamengo as Rojo Awaits Libertadores Clearance

Estudiantes de La Plata travel to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, October 22, to face Flamengo at the Maracana in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals, with defender Marcos Rojo's eligibility remaining uncertain as the Argentine club seeks authorization from CONMEBOL and appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The teams drew 0-0 in the first leg at Estudiantes' UNO stadium, leaving the tie unresolved ahead of the return match. According to ESPN Deportes, kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, and 7:30 p.m. in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Flamengo enter the match after a 3-0 victory over Bahia in the 2026 Brasileirão Série A, while Estudiantes suffered a 2-1 defeat against San Lorenzo in the Torneo Clausura. The clubs also met during the group stage, drawing in La Plata before Flamengo secured a narrow home victory in Rio de Janeiro.

Estudiantes coach Cacique Medina identified Rojo's unresolved status as a significant selection concern ahead of the decisive encounter. The experienced center back, a runner-up at the World Cup with Argentina, has not received authorization from CONMEBOL to participate in the continental competition, prompting the club to pursue an appeal through CAS.

Medina addressed the uncertainty during a news conference before the match, emphasizing the potential value of having the defender available.

"Marcos' authorization is an uncertainty we will have until tomorrow. It would be ideal to have him," Medina said.

Rojo remains eligible to play in domestic competition and made his debut for Estudiantes in the recent 2-1 loss to San Lorenzo. However, the unresolved decision has complicated preparations for his possible involvement in the Libertadores semifinal.

Medina also described the emotional difficulty of waiting for a ruling that could determine whether the defender can participate. The coach said the club was trying not to place additional pressure on Rojo while he awaited a decision.

"It is not easy for him. Uncertainty has prevailed since his arrival. Managing his emotions has been complicated.

He has a lot of hope and is waiting expectantly. We try not to talk to him too much about the issue. Hopefully, they will authorize him," Medina said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rojo, Medina expressed confidence in Estudiantes' qualification campaign and their ability to compete for a place in the final.

"We have shown that we are at the level required; many people would love to be where we are," Medina said.

The coach also stressed that Estudiantes had earned their semifinal position through their own performances and intended to defend their opportunity to reach the championship match.

"Nobody gave us anything for free. We got here on our own merit, and we will defend our right to reach the Copa Libertadores final," Medina said.

Flamengo have several established international players available to lead their challenge, including Jorginho, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Pedro, Lucas Paquetá and goalkeeper Agustín Rossi, according to ESPN Deportes. Estudiantes' players to watch include Joaquín Correa and Guido Carrillo.

Team availability could also influence the contest. A Yahoo Sports preview listed Ayrton Lucas, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Danilo and Evertton Araújo as unavailable for Flamengo because of injuries, while Estudiantes were without Gabriel Neves and Jalil Elías. The preview listed hamstring injuries for Ayrton Lucas and Evertton Araújo, fractures for De Arrascaeta and Danilo, a wrist fracture for Neves, and a thigh muscle injury for Elías.