Muslera’s 3 penalty saves lift 10-man Estudiantes past Flamengo into Libertadores final

Rio de Janeiro (AP) — Estudiantes de La Plata secured their place in the Copa Libertadores final after goalkeeper Jorge Muslera made three crucial penalty saves on Thursday. The 40-year-old Uruguay veteran, who has competed in five World Cups, denied Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Henrique's penalty attempts, leading the Argentine team to a 3-2 shootout victory in a tense second leg following two goalless draws.

With 10 men on the field due to a red card against Baltasar Rodríguez in the 50th minute, Estudiantes overcame the odds to face Palmeiras in the decisive match at Uruguay’s Centenario Stadium on November 28. The Argentine club seeks to break a seven-year winning streak by Brazilian teams in the prestigious South American club competition, with their last triumph coming in 2018 when River Plate clinched the trophy.

Estudiantes aims to secure their fifth Copa Libertadores title, their first since 2009, against Palmeiras, a side valued at around $236 million, compared to Estudiantes' $61 million squad. The Brazilian victory marked a significant upset, given the stark contrast in squad value between the two teams.