- Estudiantes defeated Flamengo on penalties to reach the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Final.
- Marcos Rojo started as ‘El Pincha’ once again benefited from bringing in a defender who made an important contribution to their continental campaign, just as they did in 2009.
Rolando Schiavi needed just four matches to secure his place in Estudiantes de La Plata history. In June 2009, with ‘El Pincha’ already in the last four of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, Alejandro Sabella needed to strengthen an injury-hit defence. The solution came from Newell’s Old Boys: a loan deal that would last as long as their continental dream remained alive. ‘El Flaco’ arrived to play in the Semi-finals and a potential Final. A few weeks later, he lifted the most coveted trophy at the Mineirão.
The absences of Agustín Alayes and Marcos Angeleri, compounded by fitness concerns over Christian Cellay and Raúl Iberbia, had left the coach short of options. Schiavi settled in immediately, partnered Leandro Desábato at centre-back and started both matches against Nacional and both legs of the Final against Cruzeiro. His stay was brief, but his contribution was enough to link his name forever with the club’s fourth continental triumph.
Seventeen years later, Estudiantes once again turned to an experienced defender for the matches that define a campaign. Marcos Rojo also had a personal connection to that memory: he had already won the CONMEBOL Libertadores in 2009 as a member of Sabella’s squad. Now 36, the same age Schiavi was when he arrived in La Plata, he returned to lend his experience to the pursuit of another title. The youngster from that triumphant squad had become the seasoned signing a club turns to on decisive nights.
Rojo also had much more recent history against the Brazilian side. A year earlier, he had played in the Semi-finals for Racing against Flamengo. That tie ended with the Rio de Janeiro club advancing after a 1-0 win at the Maracanã and a goalless draw in Avellaneda. This time, wearing Estudiantes colours, the defender was able to celebrate against the very opponents who had ended his dream in 2025.
At the Maracanã, Alexander Medina sprang a surprise by starting him at left-back in a side that held on to a goalless draw even after Baltasar Rodríguez was sent off. Estudiantes stood firm with ten men, before Fernando Muslera emerged as the hero of the shootout: the Uruguayan saved three penalties to seal a 3-2 victory and a return to the Final.
“It’s crazy how it all happened. To play in this incredible match, alongside these warriors, in this stadium. The emotion I’m feeling is indescribable. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt anything like it in my career. Being here makes me so happy. It’s a privilege to play alongside these team-mates, with the way we gave everything and chased every ball,” Rojo said after securing qualification.
His words highlighted the collective commitment and belief with which Estudiantes approached their visit to the Maracanã. “We knew we were facing a great team, but we never backed down. We kept pushing forward, playing to our strengths, and we’re delighted to have made it through,” added the defender, who was once again celebrating progress in continental competition with the club where his career began.
The next challenge will be Palmeiras on 28 November at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. In the Uruguayan capital, Estudiantes will seek their fifth CONMEBOL Libertadores title at the very venue where they won their first. Schiavi’s story already has its ending; Rojo will write his own on 28 November.
