Headline: Estudiantes Secure Libertadores Final Spot Despite Draw with Instituto
Fernando Muslera played a crucial role in helping Estudiantes reach the Libertadores final by eliminating Flamengo at the Maracanã Stadium. However, the Uruguayan goalkeeper experienced a difficult night on Saturday (31).
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Muslera committed significant errors leading to all three goals that Estudiantes conceded during their 3–3 draw with Instituto de Córdoba in Argentina’s Clausura.
Though Estudiantes rallied to equalize, they can no longer advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Instituto, on the other hand, has already secured qualification as Group A leaders.
A horror show, huh?
The game began with an unexpected twist, as the visitors struck early. Just three minutes in, Muslera mishandled a back pass while attempting to dribble past Suárez, resulting in the first goal.
In the second half, another mistake followed. Muslera misjudged a corner kick and failed to make the save, enabling Mosevich to score in the 48th minute.
Estudiantes faced further challenges when Núñez was shown a red card, leaving them with ten men (50′).
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Shortly thereafter, another misplay from Muslera led to a third goal for Instituto (55′).
Despite the setbacks, the club, led by president Verón, did not give in. They managed to fight back and secure an unlikely draw, even while down a player. Goals from Guido Carillo (58′), Tiago Palacios (65′), and Perez Fabricio (86′) brought them level.
Estudiantes now has 15 points in the standings, but with only one game left against Talleres, they have missed the opportunity to catch Independiente, who currently sits eighth in Group A.
The draw also means that Los Pincharratas cannot match Lanús’s points in the Argentine league’s annual standings, leaving them with the task of winning the Libertadores for a chance at international competition in 2027.
Just 2️⃣ more games before the final
The team’s early exit from the Clausura guarantees a lighter schedule as they prepare for the most significant match of the season.
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In addition to their match against Talleres next Saturday (7), Estudiantes will play one more game before facing Palmeiras: the Argentine Super Cup against Independiente Rivadavia on the 12th.
The Libertadores final is set for the 28th in Montevideo, where Estudiantes will aim for their fifth title, while Palmeiras looks to secure their fourth.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
