Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores rival, Estudiantes, gets involved in a brawl after losing the final to Rosario Central.
The battle for Argentina’s Supercopa Internacional ended in chaos and violence. Rosario Central became champions after defeating Estudiantes 3-1 at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata.
However, what should have been a title celebration was overshadowed by a widespread brawl that erupted after the visiting team’s third goal, culminating in physical altercations between players from both teams.
The Match and the Comeback
Estudiantes took an early lead just two minutes into the match with a goal from midfielder Alexis Castro. However, their initial advantage did not last.
Star player Ángel Di María was the standout for Rosario Central, turning the score around in the first half with two goals, one of them a penalty.
The victory for the Rosario team was sealed in second-half stoppage time with a goal from forward Julián Fernández.
Brawl and Protests
Tension escalated after Fernández‘s goal. Players from both teams got involved in a direct confrontation, with pushes, insults, and aggressions that extended from the pitch to the tunnel leading to the locker rooms.
Di María expressed regret over the incident in an interview with broadcaster DSports:
What happened in the final was regrettable. We didn’t do anything to make that happen. They’ll have their excuses, their reasons. We’re going to enjoy this moment.
On the other hand, Estudiantes expressed strong dissatisfaction with referee Darío Herrera, complaining about an uncalled penalty for a supposed handball in the box.
The outrage was so great that the club president, former player Juan Sebastián Verón, even invaded the pitch to protest.
Impact for Flamengo
The defeat and the confusion in the Supercopa Argentina final add extra spice to the already anticipated clash between Estudiantes and Flamengo in the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores semifinals.
The first leg is scheduled for October 15, at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. The return leg will take place the following week, on the 22nd, at the Maracanã.
The turbulence experienced by the Argentine team could be a psychological factor for the *Rubro-Negro* to explore in their quest for another continental title.
