Flamengo won 2-1 against Estudiantes at the Maracanã in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. However, the victory was marred by heavy criticism towards referee Andrés Rojas, according to TyC Sports. The red card given to Gonzalo Plata in the 82nd minute angered players and staff, who felt it significantly affected their chances.
Samuel Lino expressed his disappointment: “The unfair red card, made-up fouls, yellow cards that shouldn’t have happened. For us, everything; for Estudiantes, nothing.” Goal scorer Guillermo Varela mentioned that the referee’s choices continuously disrupted Flamengo’s gameplay.
Head coach Filipe Luis was even more critical: “The referee wanted to steal the spotlight. He overlooked key moments, acted arrogantly, and was lenient with the other team. I hope he never officiates in the Libertadores again.” Sporting director José Boto also condemned the referee’s performance, stating a clear penalty on Lino was missed: “It is shocking and disgraceful to see this in South America’s top competition.”
The most debated moment occurred when Plata received a second yellow card after a challenge with Facundo Rodríguez. The Ecuadorian forward seemed to win the ball but was penalized for a foul. Since it was a double booking, VAR could not change the decision, although it could have looked into a potential penalty in that situation.
Guido Carrillo’s late goal provided Estudiantes with a glimmer of hope for the return leg on September 25 at Estadio UNO in La Plata. Flamengo, meanwhile, will miss Plata and has urged CONMEBOL to review the officiating.
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