Palmeiras secured a dramatic semifinal berth in the Copa Libertadores after defeating LDU Quito 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 3-2 regulation loss at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador, according to international sports coverage.
How Palmeiras Advanced After a Late Collapse in Quito
The Brazilian club entered the second leg of the quarterfinals with a 1-0 advantage from the opening match. However, LDU Quito mounted a fierce comeback on home soil, dominating possession with 66% control and firing 14 shots at goal compared to Palmeiras’ 13, according to match statistics reported by TN. Marlon Rodrigues De Freitas opened the scoring for Palmeiras in the 9th minute, but Luis Segovia equalized for the hosts just five minutes later.
Vitor Roque extended the visitors’ lead in the 72nd minute by converting a penalty kick awarded after a defensive handball. With LDU Quito’s continental elimination looming, striker Michael Estrada delivered a stunning late brace, heading home goals in the 44th and 47th minutes of stoppage time to level the aggregate score at 3-3 and force the game to penalties.
The Penalty Shootout Drama
In the ensuing shootout, execution from the spot ultimately favored the visitors from São Paulo. Fernando Cornejo and Michael Estrada converted for LDU Quito, but misses from Lucas Rodríguez and Luis Segovia proved decisive. Despite a missed effort from Palmeiras player Lucas Evangelista, the Brazilian side prevailed 4-3 on penalties to seal their progression.
Match Statistics and Next Steps
LDU Quito’s elimination ends their run in the tournament despite completing 488 accurate passes to Palmeiras’ 172 and recording 9 ball recoveries, underlining their territorial dominance in the altitude of Quito.
