Prediction Estudiantes vs Flamengo 2025 season – Betting Tips for the Copa Libertadores on 26/09/2025

A high-stakes return to La Plata

The Copa Libertadores quarter-final tie between Estudiantes and Flamengo is shaping up to be a combustible clash when the two meet at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata on 26/09/2025. After a feisty opening encounter in this tie — Flamengo took the initial scalp with a 2-1 victory in mid-September — the return leg promises tension, tactical intrigue and a continental atmosphere that rarely disappoints. Estudiantes arrive having steadied the ship with a narrow domestic victory over Defensa y Justicia, while Flamengo come off a point against Vasco da Gama, still unbeaten in the build-up to this decisive match. The significance of home advantage for Estudiantes will be measured against Flamengo’s confidence and continental pedigree.

Form lines and momentum

Form suggests a clear momentum edge for the visitors. Flamengo’s recent run reads like a team in control: seven wins and three draws in their latest ten, an unbeaten sequence that breeds self-belief. Flamengo’s attacking numbers underline that dominance — slightly higher totals in shots and dangerous attacks, and an eye-catching goals return in recent weeks. Estudiantes, meanwhile, display a patchier record: five wins, one draw and four losses in their last ten. There’s fighting spirit in La Plata, especially following the 1-0 domestic win and a strong showing from Gabriel Neves last time out, but inconsistency has crept into their results.

Tactically this could be tight. Both sides have kept six clean sheets in the recent sample, yet the pair’s head-to-head has already produced goals. The first leg ended 2-1 in Flamengo’s favour, and that scoreline will loom large psychologically. Flamengo’s ability to create and convert chances away from home — reflected in higher shots on target and a steady dangerous-attacks average — suggests they are comfortable operating on the counter or pressing for decisive moments. Estudiantes will lean on home crowd energy and disciplined defending to flip the tie.

What to expect and where value lies

Expect a tense opening with measured probing and a tilt toward Flamengo taking the game to the hosts in search of control. Estudiantes could look to stifle the game and hit on transitions, meaning the match might feature moments of intensity rather than continuous end-to-end football. Given Flamengo’s unbeaten run and superior recent attacking metrics, bookmakers have them as favourites, and that market reflects the underlying trends.

Betting suggestion I recommend a 1X2 bet: Flamengo to win. The data supports the visitors — an earlier 2-1 victory in the tie, an unbeaten recent run, higher averages for shots and dangerous attacks, and bookmaker pricing that still offers value on an away win (odds around 2.16). Back Flamengo to take the tie to Estudiantes’ fortress in La Plata and edge this crucial quarter-final clash.