Estudiantes Clinch Libertadores Quarterfinal Spot After Nerve‑Racking Draw with Cerro Porteño

How Estudiantes Turned a Thin Lead into a Quarterfinal Ticket

When the whistle blew at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, the scoreline read 0‑0, but the real story was far from a draw. Estudiantes walked away with a place in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals because they defended the one‑goal advantage they earned in Asunción. The Argentine side knew that any slip could hand Cerro Porteño the tie, so they set up a wall of discipline and stayed patient for the full 90 minutes.

The first leg in Paraguay was a drama‑filled affair. The game seemed locked at 0‑0 when, deep into stoppage time, captain Santiago Ascacíbar stepped up and coolly slotted a penalty in the 98th minute. That gamble paid off, giving Estudiantes an away goal and a lead they could cling to. The goal also forced Cerro Porteño to chase the game in the return leg, a task that proved easier said than done.

Back in La Plata, the mood in the stadium was tense but hopeful. Cerro Porteño grabbed early possession, stringing together passes and testing the Argentine defense. Their midfield kept the ball moving, but the final third was a different story. They could not string together a clear shot, and Estudiantes’ back line held its shape, forcing the visitors to take long‑range attempts that rarely troubled the keeper.

Speaking of the keeper, Fernando Muslera was the invisible ink behind the 0‑0 result. The veteran made a series of reflex saves in the last ten minutes, turning away aerial balls that hovered over the box and diving low to keep Alexis Castro’s one‑on‑one from becoming a goal. Muslera’s calm under pressure reminded fans why he’s been a mainstay for both club and country.

For Cerro Porteño, the frustration was palpable. They entered the second leg as group G runners‑up behind Palmeiras, and their path to the knockout round had shown a fighting spirit. Yet, the inability to convert dominance into goals cost them dearly. Even when they pressed high and forced Estudiantes to defend deeper, the Argentine side’s compactness made it difficult to find a gap.

Estudiantes’ approach may not have been the most exciting to watch, but it was effective. Their coach set up a tactical plan that prioritized structure, limiting space for the Paraguayan attackers and making every forward pass a high‑risk move for Cerro Porteño. The result was a game where El Tricolor (the Red and White) absorbed pressure and struck only when necessary – a hallmark of knockout football.

Now the focus shifts to the upcoming quarterfinal clash with Flamengo. The Brazilian powerhouse arrived in the tournament by beating Internacional de Porto Alegre, and they bring a reputation for flair and firepower. For Estudiantes, the challenge is two‑fold: they must keep their defensive shell intact while finding ways to break down a team that loves to attack.

Historically, Estudiantes has a rich Libertadores pedigree, having lifted the trophy four times. Their recent run shows that experience still matters; the club knows how to manage a tie, protect a lead, and thrive under pressure. Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of another deep run, especially after the gritty performance against Cerro Porteño.

Meanwhile, the disappointment for Cerro Porteño will linger. Their campaign started strong, topping group G with solid performances, but the knockout stage highlighted a lingering issue: finishing chances. Coach and players will likely review the missed opportunities and look to improve for next season’s continental quest.

In short, the Estudiantes‑Cerro Porteño tie was a textbook example of how a single moment – that 98th‑minute penalty – can shape a two‑legged battle. It also underscored the value of a reliable goalkeeper, a disciplined back line, and a coach willing to embrace a pragmatic game plan. As the Libertadores moves deeper into its stages, these elements will continue to decide who stays in the hunt for South America’s most coveted club prize.