Palmeiras Takes a Narrow Lead Over LDU Quito as Everything Will Be Decided in Quito

Verdão defeated LDU Quito 1-0 in São Paulo in the first leg of the 2026 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals and will now have to defend a narrow advantage next week at altitude in Quito.

The Brazilian side knew it needed to build a comfortable lead before traveling to Ecuador and took control of possession from the opening minutes. LDU opted to sit back, close down spaces and wait for opportunities on the counterattack.

Giay Breaks LDU’s Resistance

The first warning came in the seventh minute. Jhon Arias entered the box and fired a powerful shot, but Gonzalo Valle responded well to prevent the opener.

Three minutes later, LDU produced its first response, although Michael Estrada finished the move with a weak effort that Carlos Miguel comfortably collected.

Verdão’s pressure finally paid off in the 25th minute. Vitor Roque created the opportunity with a shot that Valle managed to stop, but the goalkeeper left the ball loose inside the box and Agustín Giay reacted with a diving header to make it 1-0.

Palmeiras had the opportunity to extend its lead before halftime. Giay came close again in the 38th minute after a cross traveled through the penalty area, but he was unable to make clean contact with the ball.

Palmeiras Misses Its Chances and LDU Survives

The story remained almost unchanged in the second half.

Palmeiras kept applying pressure and pinned LDU inside its own half for long stretches, but the second goal never arrived.

The Ecuadorian defense held firm. In the 64th minute, it denied another dangerous opportunity for the Brazilian side, and whenever Verdão managed to break through the lines, there always seemed to be a defender ready to keep the tie alive.

LDU attempted to respond on the counterattack and found some space through Juan Piccolo in the 67th minute, but the Palmeiras defense reacted before the move could develop into a greater threat.

The final major opportunity arrived in the 81st minute. Jhon Arias produced an excellent individual move and went in search of the second goal, but Gian Franco Allala made a last-second intervention to block his shot and once again save the Ecuadorian side.

Time ran out and Palmeiras secured the victory it needed, although probably not by the margin it had hoped for.

Verdão will travel to Ecuador with only a one-goal advantage and will now have to defend it at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, where Quito’s altitude and LDU’s strength at home could completely change the tie.

Palmeiras struck first.

But this series is far from over.

📺 Don’t miss the Libertadores only on beIN SPORTS