Estudiantes’ Strategy for Marcos Rojo: How the Club Plans to Play Him Against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores Semifinals

Conmebol Rejection Forces Estudiantes to Take Case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Estudiantes de La Plata entered its first continental semifinal in 17 years facing an immediate administrative setback when CONMEBOL rejected the registration of veteran defender Marcos Rojo, according to reporting by Olé. The club signed Rojo primarily for its international campaign, but continental governing bodies ruled the paperwork fell outside allowable deadlines following a roster adjustment prompted by Gabriel Neves’ injury.

The club announced it will file an emergency appeal before the Tribunal Arbitral del Deport (TAS), commonly known as the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a provisional measure to clear the former Manchester United and Boca Juniors center-back for the return leg in Rio de Janeiro. CieloSports reported that the legal filing includes approximately 400 precedent cases where similar late registrations were approved by CONMEBOL, forming the backbone of the club’s strategy to overturn the denial.

Flamengo Arrives in La Plata Depleted by Crucial Injuries and Suspensions

While Estudiantes deals with eligibility issues in defense, reigning champion Flamengo traveled to Argentina missing several first-team mainstays under manager Leonardo Jardim, as reported by TyC Sports. The Brazilian side is operating without playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta due to a left wrist fracture, defender Danilo following a double fracture of his jaw, and left-back Ayrton Lucas due to injury. In addition, midfielder Jorginho sits out the first leg serving a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards after his expulsion in the quarterfinals.

Despite those absences, the visitors arrive at UNO holding the top spot in the Brasileirão standings following a 1-0 victory over Fluminense secured by a goal from Jorge Carrascal. Flamengo advanced to this stage by eliminating Independiente del Valle 3-1 on aggregate in the previous round, maintaining their status as one of the continent’s most resilient tournament competitors.

Tactical Setups and Probable Lineups for the Semifinal Opener

Estudiantes manager Alexander Medina shaped his tactical blueprint around home-field advantage while resting several regular starters during a 2-2 league draw against Central Córdoba in Santiago del Estero. In Rojo’s enforced absence, veteran defender Ramiro Funes Mori is slated to anchor the backline alongside Santiago Núñez.

The probable starting XI for Estudiantes features Fernando Muslera in goal; Eros Mancuso, Santiago Núñez, Ramiro Funes Mori, and Gastón Benedetti across the defense; Ezequiel Piovi, Alexis Castro, and Baltasar Rodríguez in midfield; with Tiago Palacios, Guido Carrillo, and Joaquín Tobio Burgos leading the attack.

Flamengo’s projected lineup includes Agustín Rossi under the posts; Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro on the back line; Erick Pulgar and Saúl Ñíguez in central midfield; with Gonzalo Plata, Jorge Carrascal, and Samuel Lino supporting central striker Pedro.

Match Officials Overseeing the First Leg in La Plata

CONMEBOL appointed an officiating crew led by referee Juan Gabriel Benítez from Paraguay to manage the proceedings at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi. He will be assisted along the touchlines by fellow Paraguayan officials, while Ulises Meresles of Ecuador oversees the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth.

The return fixture in this two-legged semifinal series is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where the aggregate winner will advance to the continental final on Nov. 28.