Estudiantes return to Libertadores semifinals with a win in Brazil over Corinthians
El Pincha pulled off a huge result at Neo Química Arena and returned to the continent’s top four after 17 years. The tie was defined by the penalty Memphis Depay missed and by an Argentine side that showed personality away from home.
Estudiantes wrote another major chapter in its continental history. It beat 1-0 a Corinthians in Brazil, wrapped up the tie with authority after the 1-1 draw in the first leg and reached the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores after 17 years.
The victory at the Neo Química Arena carries real weight. This is not just a passage to the next round: it is a display of character on a difficult pitch, against a top-level opponent and in a stage where Argentine teams are usually tested again on the international front. Eduardo Domínguez's side understood the match and sealed a huge qualification.
A blow in Brazil that changes the picture
The tie began evenly in La Plata, where they had drawn 1-1. But in the return leg, Estudiantes struck at the right time and held on to the lead until the end. The goal from Alexis Castro ultimately proved decisive in tipping a series that was settled on Brazilian soil.
There was also a key moment that could have changed everything: in the 55 minutes, Memphis Depay wasted a penalty for Corinthians. From there, the match became even tougher for the home side and Pincha knew how to defend the lead with experience.
“This club has a very special mystique,” said Eduardo Domínguez after securing qualification.
The Cacique’s read: a tie won with authority
The Estudiantes coach did not hide his satisfaction with the step into the semifinals. His message was clear: the team won the tie and did so with footballing arguments, even away from home.
“Over the series we were better than them,” Domínguez emphasized.
The phrase sums up the moment well. This was not a lucky qualification or one of those nights explained solely by the result. Estudiantes stood up, competed and ended up celebrating a return to a privileged stage it had not reached since 2009.
What it means for Argentine football
Pincha’s qualification comes in a busy week for Argentine clubs in continental competition. At the same time, Atlético Tucumán also delivered a major blow and advanced to the semifinals of the Copa Argentina after eliminating Independiente Rivadavia on penalties.
In addition, Platense found itself at the center of attention after the incidents following its elimination against Fluminense in the Libertadores, a tie that still ended with the Brazilian side advancing.
The map of Argentine teams on the continent is starting to take shape, and Estudiantes is once again emerging as a serious contender. Not just because of its name. Also because of what it did in Brazil, where it won a tough match, closed out a demanding tie and returned to the continent’s elite.
What comes next
Pincha's next step will be to wait for its semifinal opponent. But it has already sent a strong message:
- won in Brazil
- eliminated Corinthians
- returned to the Libertadores semifinals after 17 years
- held on to the lead earned in La Plata
In a Copa Libertadores that always punishes mistakes, Estudiantes did everything it had to do. And it did it with personality.
