LDU vs. Palmeiras in Libertadores: What's at Stake

This Wednesday, 16, at 7 PM (Brasília time), the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito will host a clash that decides who reaches the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. Palmeiras, who won the first leg 1-0 in São Paulo, only needs a draw away from home to secure their spot. LDU, on the other hand, must win by two goals or, at minimum, by one goal to advance directly; if they win by just one goal, the decision will go to penalties.

How Palmeiras Approaches the Decisive Match

Abel Ferreira returns to the spotlight after a 2-0 victory over São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship. The coach, however, faces the absence of Gustavo Gómez, suspended due to a third yellow card, and uncertainty regarding Mauricio's return, who is dealing with knee tendinitis. Andreas Pereira, who served a suspension in the first leg, is available again, and Bruno Fuchs might join Murilo and Barboza in a three-defender formation.

LDU's Probable Lineup

The Ecuadorian team rested most of its starters in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo Cuenca. Gustavo Álvarez, who started in the first match, is suspended and is expected to be replaced by Richard Mina. LDU is banking on the altitude factor and their strength at Casa Blanca to try and overturn Palmeiras' advantage.

Decisive Goal from the First Leg

In the first leg, Jhon Arias takes a corner kick, and Marlon Freitas capitalizes to score the first leg's goal, making it 1-0. LDU responds in the 14th minute of the same leg when Segovia heads Lucas Rodríguez's cross, leveling the match at 1-1.

Broadcast and Officiating

The match will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. The referee will be Wilmar Roldán from Colombia, accompanied by assistants Alexander Guzmán and Jhon Gallego, also Colombian. The VAR will be David Rodríguez, and the AVAR Keiner Jiménez.

With information from VEJA, LANCE!.