- The defender has become an important figure for Estudiantes de La Plata on their way to the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Final against Palmeiras. Since establishing himself in the starting line-up in the Round of 16, the 'Pincha' have not suffered another defeat.
- In April 2020, while still playing in Boca Juniors' youth ranks, Eros Mancuso shared a photograph on his X account accompanied by a historic quote from Osvaldo Zubeldía, written ahead of Estudiantes' triumph over Manchester United in 1968.
The rich and successful history of the Argentine club on the continental and international stage has been shaped by different eras, events and key figures. It has also been defined by a phrase that has spanned generations, eventually finding a new protagonist decades later. A photograph, a historic rival and the words written by Zubeldía during the early years of Estudiantes' success have resurfaced as the club prepare for another opportunity to conquer the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Eros Mancuso is at the centre of a coincidence – or perhaps something more – as he hopes fate has one more twist in store.
In April 2020, Eros Mancuso was still a player in Boca Juniors' youth ranks. On his X account, he shared a photograph of himself playing against Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata – the 'León's' historic rivals – accompanied by the words: “A la gloria no se llega por un camino de rosas” (There is no bed of roses on the road to glory).
Those words held a special meaning for Estudiantes. Osvaldo Zubeldía had written the phrase on a dressing-room blackboard at Old Trafford shortly before the second leg against Manchester United on 16 October 1968. The Argentine side had won the first leg 1-0 at Boca Juniors' stadium before securing a 1-1 draw in England, a result that earned them the Intercontinental Cup. That very blackboard is still preserved in the English club's museum.
What makes the story remarkable is that the full-back, born in Haedo, in the province of Buenos Aires, was then a Boca Juniors defender and featured in a photograph against Estudiantes' iconic rivals. Without knowing it, he had chosen one of the most significant phrases in the history of the club he would go on to represent years later. Football would eventually give that social media post a whole new meaning.
A place in the starting line-up rewarded with outstanding performances
Before leaving Estudiantes for Brazilian side Fortaleza, the full-back celebrated two domestic titles with the La Plata club: the 2023 Copa Argentina and the 2024 Copa de la Liga Profesional. He returned to the 'Albirrojo' last January, but it was not until midway through the competition that he earned a place in the starting line-up.
He made just 14 minutes of appearances during the Group Stage, coming on in the 1-1 draw against Cusco FC in Peru. His opportunity arrived in the second leg of the Round of 16 against Universidad Católica: he was named in the starting XI – with Eric Meza having occupied the right-back position until then – and played a key role in the 3-0 victory in Santiago, providing an assist for Guido Carrillo's second goal.
He has not relinquished his place in the side since that night. In the quarter-finals, he once again made an impact by setting up Alexis Castro in the 1-1 first-leg draw against Corinthians. Estudiantes won the return leg in Brazil to reach the semi-finals, where they eliminated Flamengo at the Maracanã. In the penalty shoot-out, Eros converted Estudiantes' second spot-kick, helping to secure their memorable passage to the Final.
His significant contribution at both ends of the pitch has earned him a place among the players trusted by Uruguayan head coach Alexander Medina. That influence has been reflected not only in his performances but also in the results: since breaking into the starting line-up, Estudiantes have not suffered a defeat with Mancuso on the pitch.
On 28 November, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Mancuso will have the opportunity to feature in the CONMEBOL Libertadores Final against Palmeiras and help Estudiantes claim the fifth continental title in their history.
By then, almost 60 years will have passed since Zubeldía chose those words to motivate his players in England. And there is little doubt that they will resonate in the mind of the 'León's' defender: there is no bed of roses on the road to glory.
