Palmeiras Hold 1-0 Lead as LDU Quito Host Second Leg in Quito

LDU Quito and Palmeiras contested the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador. Palmeiras arrived with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, meaning they needed only a draw to advance to the semifinals. LDU Quito required a two-goal victory to progress directly, or a one-goal win to force a penalty shootout.

The match was played at approximately 2,850 meters above sea level, a significant altitude advantage historically favoring the Ecuadorian side. LDU Quito have not lost at home to Brazilian teams in 12 consecutive matches and hold a strong recent record in Quito, including a 3-0 victory over Palmeiras at this same stadium in October 2025. Both teams made tactical adjustments due to player suspensions: Palmeiras deployed a three-defender formation without suspended captain Gustavo Gómez, while LDU Quito were without defender Allala due to accumulated yellow cards.

Palmeiras fielded a lineup featuring attackers including Jhon Arias, Flaco López, and Vitor Roque, supported by midfielders Marlon Freitas and Andreas Pereira. LDU Quito countered with Michael Estrada, Yerlin Quiñónez, and Janner Corozo in attack. The match was officiated by Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán with VAR support. The encounter reflected the competitive nature of the quarterfinal, with LDU seeking to exploit home advantage and altitude while Palmeiras managed their narrow lead.