Universidad Católica punched its ticket to the Copa Ecuador final with a 2-1 victory over Liga de Quito on Wednesday night at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, advancing 4-3 on aggregate after the first leg ended 2-2.
The “camaratta” side struck at the decisive moments of the second leg, exploiting gaps in Liga de Quito’s defense to take the lead and control the rhythm of the match, while Liga pushed for a comeback in front of its home fans in the closing stages. The visitors’ back line and goalkeeper held firm down the stretch, and clinical finishing in the rival’s box proved the difference for the team.
LOS ONCE ⚔️ Vamos LIGA ⚪️🔴 🆚 LIGACatólica 🏆 Copa Ecuador pic.twitter.com/vImWjJu4P8
How the first leg set up a winner-take-all rematch
The tie was wide open after the first leg at Independiente del Valle’s stadium ended 2-2. Universidad Católica went ahead through José Fajardo in the 14th minute, Marcelo Weigandt equalized for Liga de Quito at 77 minutes, Lucas Rodríguez put the hosts back in front at 90+5, and Azarías Londoño converted a penalty at 90+13 to seal the draw.
The opening match was played on a Thursday at Estadio Banco Guayaquil. The tie remained level at 2-2 after that game, leaving both sides seeking victory to become the first finalist of the 2026 Copa Ecuador.
Termina el partido ⚽️ 🆚 LIGACatólica 1×2 🏆 Copa Ecuador pic.twitter.com/uxtjaqSEYK
Liga de Quito striker Michael Estrada acknowledged his side needed to sharpen up after that match. “Personally, I think we lack more concentration,” Estrada told DSPORTS Ecuador. He also played a part in Weigandt’s equalizer.
Estrada made the remarks to DSPORTS Ecuador following the Thursday night match at Estadio Banco Guayaquil. The striker recognized the team needed to improve an important aspect of its performance for the return leg, and Liga de Quito aimed to use its home advantage in Quito to reach the final.
The road to the semifinals
Liga de Quito eliminated Aucas, Leones del Norte and Independiente Juniors to reach the last four, debuting against Atlético Santo Domingo and then defeating Manta and Gualaceo. Universidad Católica advanced by disposing of Astillero FC, Vinotinto and El Nacional en route to the semifinal.
A Copa Libertadores berth rides on the trophy
The Copa Ecuador champion earns a berth in the 2027 CONMEBOL Libertadores, giving both capital-city clubs a direct path to continental competition. If the aggregate had remained level after 90 minutes, the tie would have gone straight to penalties, with no away-goals rule.
The second leg at Casa Blanca defined the tournament’s first finalist, with both clubs seeking the title as an alternative route to the continental berth. Matches between the two sides are played with intensity and expected to be open, as both want to avoid penalties. Universidad Católica will seek to lift the trophy of the national integration tournament in the final.
Universidad Católica awaits the other semifinal winner
The “Chatoleí” will face the winner of the other semifinal between Independiente del Valle and Delfín. The rayados hold a commanding 3-0 first-leg lead after Hugo Quintana scored twice and Carlos “Cocoliso” González added another in a win at Jocay in Manta. Their second leg is scheduled for Thursday at 19:00 at Estadio Banco Guayaquil.
What Liga de Quito fans paid to see the semifinal
Tickets for Wednesday’s match at the Casa Blanca ranged from $11 to $29 depending on the section and purchase channel. General admission was $13 in person and $11 online, east tribune $15/$13, west tribune $17/$15, and boxes $29/$27. Club members received discounts of 40% for Liguistas Black and 20% for Gold and Silver tiers.
The semifinal was set for Wednesday, 4 November, at 19:00. The digital option offered lower prices in all sections. Physical sales at the stadium box offices began that day, with the central booth opening at 13:00 and the north booth at 15:00.
With the Copa Ecuador semifinal now settled, Liga de Quito turns its full attention to the closing stretch of the LigaPro season.
