Estudiantes idol on Libertadores hopes against Flamengo | OneFootball

Desábato, 2009 Libertadores champion with Estudiantes (ARG), believes the Argentine fans can make the difference

Flamengo and Estudiantes (ARG) will battle for a spot in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores da América on September 18 and 25. For most experts, Mengão are clear favorites to advance. However, in the eyes of Leandro Desábato, former center-back and champion of the competition in 2009 with the La Plata team, the first leg at Maracanã could set the tone for the tie. Moreover, the ‘hermano’ believes in the power of the fans for the return match.

— Flamengo has a very good team. I thought Estudiantes would decide as the away team, but they will decide here. I think if the result there is positive, there could be chances. When you put pressure with the fans and make them feel the intensity, they don’t like it. Estudiantes have good players who have declined a bit, but they are important — began Leandro Desábato.

— Estudiantes are very respected, considered a model to follow. The players who pass through there always say it’s a different club, and that helps a lot. The fans transmit this, and in the Copa (Libertadores) it’s even more noticeable. There’s a reality: the Estudiantes fans make you feel like you’re going to win, even if you don’t have such a strong team — added the former defender, to ‘Cielosports’.

HOW ARE ESTUDIANTES COMING INTO THE MATCHES AGAINST FLAMENGO?

Estudiantes will have the right to play the second leg at home because they finished first in Group A, the same group as Botafogo. The La Plata team earned 12 points. For comparison, Mengão advanced with 11 points in Group C. Afterwards, the Argentines faced Cerro Porteño (PAR) in the round of 16, winning 1-0 away and drawing 0-0 at home.

WHEN DO THE MATCHES BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND ESTUDIANTES TAKE PLACE?

At Maracanã, the match will take place on September 18, starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). A week later, on 09/25, the clash will be held at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirsch. The winner will face the victor of Racing (ARG) vs. Vélez Sarsfield (ARG).

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.