When LDU Quito slipped a single goal past São Paulo FC at the Morumbí Stadium on September 25, 2025, the Ecuadorian side did more than just win a match – they shattered a 17‑year drought and booked a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals. It was a night of nerves, grit, and a lone strike from Jeison Medina that turned the tide.
The decisive goal landed in the 68th minute, and with it came the roar of a city that hadn't seen its team in the competition’s final four since the iconic 2008 triumph. The aggregate 3‑0 victory, built on a 2‑0 first‑leg cushion at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, left São Paulo’s fans in stunned silence and sparked fresh speculation about the future of their manager, Luis Zubeldía.
Context: A Battle Shaped by Injuries and Form
São Paulo entered the second leg carrying a heavy baggage of injuries. Stars like André, Óscar, Jonathan Calleri, Luan Santos and Ryan Francisco were all sidelined, forcing head coach Zubeldía to field a patched‑together eleven that struggled to find rhythm. By contrast, LDU Quito reported a relatively clean bill of health, allowing them to stick with a disciplined 3‑5‑2 that emphasized quick transitions.
The first leg, played on September 18, 2025, in Quito, saw Bryan Ramirez open the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by Marco Estrada’s late strike. Those goals gave the Ecuadorians a cushion that would prove decisive, but the showdown at Morumbí was never a foregone conclusion. São Paulo’s 3‑4‑1‑2 setup, with goalkeeper Rafael behind a back three of Sabino, Robert Arboleda and Alan Franco, aimed to press high and overwhelm the visitors.
Key Moments from the Morumbí Showdown
The match kicked off at 22:00 UTC. Early on, São Paulo threw everything forward, pinning LDU Quito deep. A contentious off‑side call erased what appeared to be an equaliser from Luciano, dashing any hopes of a comeback. Later, a chaotic scramble in the penalty area saw São Paulo’s striker collide with Gonzalo Valle, the LDU keeper who would later earn the Player‑of‑the‑Match award for his reflex saves and composure under pressure.
The breakthrough came when Jeison Medina, operating on the left of the attacking duo, latched onto a lofted ball from Carlos Gruezo. He slipped past the defense and tucked the ball low into the net. The stadium erupted; the andean wind carried the cheers far beyond the stands.
São Paulo’s response was frantic. Substitutes Juan Dinenno, Lucas Moura and Felipe Negrucci attempted to inject fresh legs, but the Ecuadorians held firm. A late‑stage penalty appeal was waved away, and the final whistle confirmed a 1‑0 win on the night, sealing a 3‑0 result on aggregate.
Reactions: Players, Coaches, and Fans
“We knew the odds were stacked against us, but we trusted the game plan,” said Gonzalo Valle in the post‑match interview. “Every save was a step toward the dream.”
Midfielder Gabriel Villamil added, “The fans gave us energy. This victory belongs to Quito.”
On the other side, an agitated Zubeldía admitted, “We gave it everything, but the injuries were a nightmare. The result forces us to look inward and decide what comes next.” Rumours of his departure have already begun to swirl, especially after the club’s failure to progress in any domestic competition this season.
Impact: What This Means for the Libertadores Landscape
With the semifinal slot secured, LDU Quito will face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras. Analysts point out that the Ecuadorian side’s disciplined defending and lethal counter‑attack could pose a real challenge for the league champions, especially if they maintain the same tactical rigor.
Statistically, LDU now boasts a 100 % clean‑sheet record over the last two Libertadores matches, a rare feat in South America’s top club competition. Their goal‑difference is +3, while São Paulo exits with a -2 tally, underscoring the gulf that opened up in the second leg.
Historically, the last time an Ecuadorian club reached the semifinals was precisely in 2008, when LDU Quito lifted the trophy. This resurgence revives hopes that the nation can again challenge the traditional Brazilian and Argentine dominance.
What’s Next? Preparing for the Palmeiras Clash
Coach César Vigevani (newly appointed after Zubeldía’s exit) has already hinted at tweaking the midfield shape, possibly shifting to a more compact 4‑3‑3 to stifle Palmeiras’s creative midfielders. The next round, scheduled for October 15, 2025, will be a two‑leg affair with the first match in São Paulo’s Allianz Parque.
Fans are already booking flights, and local businesses anticipate a surge in tourism if the Ecuadorians make it through. The city of Quito, still buzzing from the quarter‑final heroics, is positioning itself as a showcase for South American football culture.
Key Facts
- Aggregate score: LDU Quito 3‑0 São Paulo FC
- Decisive scorer: Jeison Medina (68')
- Player of the Match: Gonzalo Valle
- Next opponent: Palmeiras (Semifinal first leg on Oct 15, 2025)
- Historic note: First semifinal appearance for LDU Quito since their 2008 Libertadores triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does LDU Quito’s victory affect Ecuadorian football?
The win revives national pride and could attract more sponsorships for Ecuadorian clubs. It also demonstrates that disciplined tactics can compete with richer Brazilian teams, potentially influencing how other clubs approach continental play.
What led to São Paulo’s early exit?
A spate of injuries forced Zubeldía to field a weakened side, and the team failed to convert key chances, including a disallowed goal and a missed penalty. Their inability to break down LDU’s compact defense sealed their fate.
Who are the likely starters for LDU Quito against Palmeiras?
Coach Vigevani is expected to retain the core back three of Gian Allala, Ricardo Ade and Leonel Quiñónez, with Valle in goal. In midfield, Villamil, Gruezo and Cornejo will likely start, while Medina and Alzugaray lead the attack.
What does this result mean for Luis Zubeldía’s career?
The early dismissal intensifies speculation about his job security. With São Paulo eliminated from all major tournaments, the board may consider a new direction, though a formal decision has not yet been announced.
When and where will the semifinal take place?
The first leg is slated for October 15, 2025, at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. The return fixture will be hosted at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito two weeks later.