Flamengo has forged a strategic agreement with Estudiantes to ensure the first leg of the Libertadores semifinals is held at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium in La Plata.
The final stretch of the Copa Libertadores promises intense emotions, and behind-the-scenes dealings are already stirring up the clash between Flamengo and Estudiantes. After intense negotiations, the Argentine club has received the green light to host the first leg match at their home ground, the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium, also known as UNO.
The decision was made after both parties found a creative solution to circumvent a specific requirement in the CONMEBOL regulations. The sticking point was the capacity of the away supporters’ section.
According to South American governing body’s rules for semifinal stages, the host stadium must offer at least four thousand seats for the opposing fans. UNO originally has only two thousand spots for visitors.
The solution found will allow Rubro-Negro to have an exclusive area with a capacity of six thousand people behind one of the goals, ensuring the required four thousand tickets for Mais Querido‘s supporters.
Focus on the Pitch
Flamengo‘s decision to accept the agreement was fundamentally based on an assessment of the match venue’s conditions. The Rio de Janeiro club’s management prioritized playing on a field that offered good conditions for their style of play.
The club feared that a change to a larger stadium—a move Estudiantes might consider to increase ticket revenue—could negatively impact the quality of the spectacle or the pitch itself.
As investigated by the M360 Team, the arrangement was seen as the safest alternative. By keeping the match at UNO, the club avoids logistical uncertainties and concerns about pitch maintenance, crucial aspects in a decisive knockout tie.
The M360 Team assessed:
“The alternative of accepting the agreement was driven by a focus on technical performance, ensuring that Flamengo plays on a pitch that allows for their characteristic style of play during this crucial stage of the competition.”
Next Steps and Formalization
The formalization of the agreement is expected in the coming days, after alignment with CONMEBOL. Representatives from the qualified clubs will meet this Thursday (24th) at the governing body’s headquarters to finalize organizational details for the semifinals.
The first leg match is scheduled for October 15th, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). The series will conclude a week later, on October 22nd, at the Maracanã stadium.
With the support of the ‘Nação’ (the fanbase) in the return leg, Flamengo aims to build a solid result in Argentina to arrive in Rio de Janeiro with the necessary advantage to secure a spot in the final.
M360 Team
