The Palmeiras secured a dramatic spot in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores after defeating Ecuador’s LDU 4–3 on penalties following a 3–3 aggregate draw, powered by two crucial saves from goalkeeper Carlos Miguel at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador.
How Carlos Miguel Secured the Semifinal Berth
Playing in the demanding high altitude of Quito on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Palmeiras weathered a late surge from the home side. LDU leveled the aggregate score at 3–3 late in regulation before the fixture headed to penalties. Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel stepped up in the shootout to deny both Lucas Rodríguez and Segovia from the spot, cementing the Brazilian club’s passage to its sixth semifinal appearance in the tournament since 2020.
Regulation Goals and Match Timeline
The quarterfinal second leg saw action unfold quickly under manager Abel Ferreira. Palmeiras opened the scoring in the 9th minute when an initial corner kick from Jhon Arias deflected off Marlon Freitas and struck LDU’s Sebástian González before trickling over the line. LDU answered swiftly in the 14th minute as Segovia headed home uncontested following a cross from Lucas Rodríguez.
The score remained level until the second half, when a penalty was awarded to Palmeiras after Andreas Pereira’s cross struck the arm of Richard Mina in the box. Vitor Roque, who entered the match as a substitute, converted low into the right corner in the 27th minute of the half to put the visitors back ahead. However, LDU striker Michael Estrada struck twice late in regulation—finding the net in the 45th and 47th minutes—to force the match into a penalty shootout with a 3–2 win on the night for the hosts.
Match Statistics and Disciplinary Action
The fixture featured intense physical battles on the pitch, overseen by referee Wilmar Roldán. Yellow cards were issued to Juan Rodríguez and Michael Estrada for LDU, alongside a booking for Palmeiras forward Flaco López. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira also received a red card during the encounter.
Palmeiras starting lineup: Carlos Miguel; Bruno Fuchs, Murilo, Barboza; Giay, Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira (Maurício), Lucas Evangelista, Piquerez; Jhon Arias (Felipe Anderson), Flaco López (Vitor Roque). Manager: Abel Ferreira.
LDU-Ecuador starting lineup: Gonzalo Valle; Marcelo Weigandt (Carabalí), Ricardo Adé, Richard Mina (Deyverson), Segovia; Juan Rodríguez, Sebástian González (Cornejo), Lucas Rodríguez; Janner Corozo (Alvarado), Michael Estrada, Yerlin Quiñonez. Manager: Gustavo Álvarez.
Next Steps in the Copa Libertadores
With the victory, Palmeiras advanced to face fellow Brazilian side Fluminense in the semifinals. Fluminense reached this stage by defeating Platense-ARG 3–2 on aggregate. While the CONMEBOL official schedule for kickoff times remains to be confirmed, the semifinal legs are slated for the weeks of October 14 and October 22, 2026. Because Palmeiras holds a superior tournament campaign record, the club will play the decisive second leg at home.
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