Liga Deportiva Universitária (LDU) from Ecuador hosts Palmeiras from Brazil this Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal. The match determines one of the spots in the continental tournament final, with LDU leveraging home advantage at 2,850 meters altitude and Palmeiras aiming to maintain its unbeaten record in the competition. The confirmed lineups for both teams were released hours before kickoff, adjusted due to absences on both sides.
Brazilian coach Tiago Nunes, leading LDU, chose a 3-5-2 formation to dominate the midfield numerically. Alexander Domínguez starts in goal due to Gonzalo Valle’s injury, while Palmeiras, under Abel Ferreira, adopts a 4-2-3-1 with Carlos Miguel in net replacing the injured Weverton.
Live broadcast is available on ESPN and Disney+ streaming, ensuring wide access for Brazilian fans. Argentine referee Facundo Raul Tello Figueroa officiates the match, supported by experienced assistants in South American games.
Tactical formations adopted
LDU’s 3-5-2 allows quick transitions down the flanks, with José Quintero playing as right wing-back. Moisés Cornejo in midfield distributes balls to forwards Bryan Ramírez and Michael Estrada, who target spaces behind the opposition defense.
Palmeiras’ 4-2-3-1 balances defense and attack, with Aníbal Moreno and Raphael Veiga shielding the backline. Felipe Anderson and Vitor Roque lead offensive moves, exploiting speed on the wings.
These choices reflect adaptations to altitude, prioritizing ball possession and high pressing.
Key absences impacting planning
Gonzalo Valle, LDU’s starting goalkeeper, is out with a knee sprain, making way for Alexander Domínguez. Defender Gian Allala also misses due to a knee injury, forcing adjustments in the three-man backline.
For Palmeiras, Weverton recovers from a hand fracture and is expected back only by year-end. Lucas Evangelista and Paulinho complete the absences, limiting midfield options, leading Abel Ferreira to field Mauricio alongside Veiga.
- LDU: Valle (knee), Allala (knee), Cornejo (suspended).
- Palmeiras: Weverton (hand), Evangelista (injury), Paulinho (injury).
These issues test squad depth at a decisive stage.
Palmeiras’ unbeaten Libertadores campaign
The São Paulo side records nine wins and one draw in ten matches played. In the group stage, it won all six games, including against Flamengo. In the round of 16, it eliminated Universitario 4-1 on aggregate, and in the quarterfinals, overcame River Plate 5-2.
Raphael Veiga leads with five goals and three assists, while Vitor Roque contributes four goals. The defense has conceded just six goals, averaging 0.6 per match, highlighting solidity under Abel Ferreira. Recently, Verdão drew with Flamengo in the Brasileirão but holds sole leadership.
This run reinforces favoritism for the final, with the return leg set for October 30 at Allianz Parque.
History of clashes between LDU and Palmeiras
The teams met twice in 2009 during the Libertadores group stage. LDU won 3-2 in Quito, with goals from Miller Bolaños and two from Walter Calderón. Palmeiras responded with a 2-0 victory in São Paulo, scored by Ortigoza and Marquinhos.
Since then, no further official meetings occurred, making this semifinal a reunion after 16 years. The record is even, with one win each and identical goal difference.
LDU’s recent record against Brazilian teams includes eliminating Botafogo (2-1 aggregate in the round of 16) and São Paulo (3-0 in the quarterfinals), securing three knockout wins over Brazilian sides in this edition.
Standout players for the matchup
José Quintero, LDU captain, operates as an attacking midfielder with sharp game vision. At 33, he has two goals and four assists in the Libertadores, orchestrating the Ecuadorian midfield.
Vitor Roque, Palmeiras center-forward, poses a threat with speed and finishing. The 20-year-old has four tournament goals, including two against River Plate, and pressures defenses with constant movement.
Other names include Carlos Gruezo, LDU’s defensive midfielder with 70% pass accuracy, and Gustavo Gómez, Palmeiras defender with 90% success in tackles.
Refereeing and match rules
Facundo Tello, 43, referees the game with an average of 4.2 cards per match in Conmebol competitions. His assistants are Sebastián Zarate and Juan Mamani, all Argentine, experienced in continental semifinals.
The match follows standard Conmebol rules, without away goals as a tiebreaker. If scores are level on aggregate, extra time and penalties decide in the return leg.
VAR will be used, with Hugo Pacheco at the monitor, ensuring accurate reviews of controversial plays.
Detailed broadcast options
ESPN airs the game on pay TV, narrated by Luiz Carlos Jr. with commentary from Roger Flores. Disney+ streaming offers multiple cameras and real-time stats, accessible via app or website.
For fans outside Brazil, options include beIN Sports in the US and international Fubo. In Ecuador, local broadcast is on Teleamazonas, targeting Quito viewers.
These channels cover pre-game from 9 PM, including tactical analysis and interviews.
