Estudiantes routs Gimnasia, heads into Copa Libertadores rematch with Universidad Catolica full of confidence

Estudiantes de La Plata put four goals past Gimnasia y Esgrima without reply in the Plata derby, and the message was clear ahead of what really matters: the round of 16 rematch in the Copa Libertadores. The 4-0 scoreline didn't just delight the Estudiantes faithful, it also served as a morale boost right when the team needs to arrive sharp for a tie that remains completely up for grabs.

Because the series against Universidad Catolica is far from settled. The first leg ended 1-1, so everything will be decided next Tuesday at Claro Arena, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. If the aggregate score remains tied at the end of 90 minutes, the tie will go to penalty kicks. No room for error, no strange calculations: whoever wins moves on.

Estudiantes coach Alexander Medina was the first to play down the rout of Gimnasia and shift the focus to where it belongs. He knows that a result like that, however loud, guarantees nothing in a knockout tie against a Chilean opponent that has already shown it can make life difficult for them.

This game is different, we played 90 minutes and now it's the rematch.Alexander Medina

The Uruguayan coach also made clear what his team's approach will be at Claro Arena. There will be no playing it safe with the result in hand, no sitting back: the idea is to go for the game from the first whistle, though without losing their heads.

We're going to set it up the best way to win the match. We don't play it safe, that's not in our DNA. We're going to go for the win, but smartly.Alexander Medina

Respect for Universidad Catolica

Medina was also clear about what Universidad Catolica represents as an opponent. There was no underestimating them, no triumphant talk despite the emphatic win over Gimnasia. The Chilean side, nicknamed "Cacique," arrives with home advantage on its side and with a style of play the Argentine coach himself acknowledged as a major challenge.

It's a team that knows what it's doing and is very well drilled. We expect a tough, strong team that plays well at home.Alexander Medina

The rout of the arch rival works, then, as a confidence boost, but also as proof that the squad delivers when it needs to lock in. Estudiantes heads to Chile knowing that a draw other than 0-0 could work in its favor thanks to the away goals rule, though in practice the goal is something else entirely: win the match and avoid having everything decided by a penalty shootout, which is always unpredictable.

The tie promises tension from start to finish. Universidad Catolica needs to make the most of home turf and its crowd's support, while Estudiantes arrives full of confidence after settling a derby with authority. The series remains even, both on the field and on paper, and on Tuesday at Claro Arena, we'll find out who moves on in the Libertadores.