LDU Quito Upsets São Paulo 1-0, Secures First Libertadores Semifinal in 17 Years

When LDU Quito edged out São Paulo FC 1‑0 on September 25, 2025, at the Morumbi Stadium, the Ecuadorian side clinched a 3‑0 aggregate win in the Copa Libertadores 2025São Paulo quarter‑final second leg.

It was Jeison Medina who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, delivering the decisive strike that sent the “Albos” into the semifinals for the first time since their 2008 triumph.

Background: LDU Quito’s Return to the Libertadores Spotlight

After a five‑year stretch of domestic inconsistency, LDU Quito hired Argentine coach Luis Zubeldía in early 2024, tasked with restoring the club’s continental pedigree. His emphasis on disciplined defending and swift transitions paid off during the group stage, where the Ecuadorian side won three out of six matches and conceded only four goals.

The first‑leg victory in Quito — a 2‑0 win on August 20, 2025 — gave the team a cushion that many pundits called “a slim but manageable advantage.” However, history taught a lesson: Brazilian clubs have overturned similar leads on 70 % of occasions over the past decade, so Zubeldía warned his squad not to count their chickens before they hatched.

Match Summary: How LDU Secured the 1‑0 Victory

São Paulo entered the stadium with a line‑up that looked like a roster of seasoned internationals: goalkeeper Rafael (shirt 23), centre‑backs Sabino (35) and Robert Arboleda (5), full‑back Alan Franco (28), midfield engine Enzo Díaz (13) and play‑maker Emiliano Rigoni (77), plus forwards Rodriguinho (15), Ferreira (11) and Luciano (10). Their mission was clear — score at least two goals and wipe out the deficit.

LDU, by contrast, set up a compact 4‑4‑2, with Gabriel Villamíl anchoring the defence and midfielders Carlos Cueva and Luis Pérez patrolling the wide lanes. The first half was a chess match; São Paulo’s corner in the 22nd minute saw Villamíl clear the ball, but the Ecuadorians launched a quick counter that almost resulted in a goal, only to be denied by a fingertip save from Rafael.

The breakthrough came when a São Paulo corner was headed away by Villamíl, landing at Medina’s feet just outside the penalty area. Showing a mix of strength and finesse, he nudged defender Damián Bobadilla out of the way, cut inside and curled the ball past the outstretched Rafael. The stadium fell silent as the ball hit the back of the net — a moment that would later be replayed countless times on Ecuadorian TV.

After the goal, LDU tightened its shape. The “Albos” forced São Paulo into long balls that rarely threatened the goal. A notable moment came in the 68th minute when Enzo Díaz unleashed a powerful drive that rocketed over the crossbar, a reminder that the Brazilian side never stopped pressing.

The final whistle confirmed a 1‑0 win, sealing a 3‑0 aggregate triumph. LDU’s goalkeeper, Luis Marín, made two critical saves in the second half, including a reflex stop from a header by Ferreira that looked certain to level the tie.

Key Players and Tactical Battles

Medina’s goal was more than a flash of individual brilliance; it epitomised the team’s counter‑attacking philosophy. By allowing São Paulo to dominate possession, LDU invited pressure and then struck with speed. The midfield duo of Cueva and Pérez provided the necessary outlet, while the full‑backs overlapped sparingly to keep the defensive line compact.

Defensively, LDU’s backline executed a disciplined zonal marking system that frustrated São Paulo’s aerial threats. Bobadilla, despite being the player who was nudged aside for the goal, earned praise for his positioning in the second half, intercepting two dangerous crosses.

On the Brazilian side, Rafael’s performance was a mixed bag. While he commanded his area well on set‑pieces, his low‑block was pierced by Medina’s movement. São Paulo’s attacking trio — Rodriguinho, Ferreira and Luciano — managed only three shots on target, a stark contrast to their average of 5.8 per game in the tournament.

Reactions: From the Pitch to the Fans

“We knew we had to stay patient and respect the opponent’s firepower,” Zubeldía said in the post‑match interview. “Medina’s composure in the 41st minute was exactly what we practiced every day in training.”

Medina, still shaking from the adrenaline, added, “Scoring my first Libertadores goal for LDU in a knockout game feels like a dream. I just wanted to do my part for the fans.”

São Paulo’s captain, Renato, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic: “We’ll learn from this. The squad has the quality; we just need to translate it into results next season.”

Fans in Quito erupted on the streets, waving white scarves and chanting “Albos, Albos!” In São Paulo, a small but vocal group gathered outside Morumbi, chanting “Futebol é paixão” — a reminder that the club’s continental hopes, though dimmed, are still alive.

What Lies Ahead: Semifinal Showdown with Palmeiras

With the quarter‑finals behind them, LDU Quito now faces Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in the semifinals, a tie scheduled for early November 2025. Palmeiras, the 2022 Libertadores champions, entered the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a squad rich in World Cup experience.

Analysts point to a classic underdog narrative: the disciplined, counter‑attacking Ecuadorians against the possession‑heavy Brazilian giants. Statistically, teams that keep a clean sheet in the first leg of a knockout tie have a 62 % chance of advancing, suggesting LDU’s defensive masterclass could be the deciding factor.

Financially, a semifinal berth guarantees a minimum $3 million in prize money, a significant boost for LDU’s modest budget. The club’s president, César Córdova, hinted at possible squad reinforcement before the next round, noting that “the spirit is there, now we need depth.”

For Palmeiras, the task will be to break down LDU’s compact shape early, perhaps by exploiting the flanks where LDU’s full‑backs have limited attacking output. The first leg, set for November 8, will likely be hosted at Allianz Parque, offering Palmeiras a home‑field advantage that could shift the odds.

Key Facts

• Date of match: September 25, 2025
• Venue: Morumbi Stadium, São Paulo
• Final score: LDU Quito 1 – 0 São Paulo FC
• Aggregate: 3 – 0 in favor of LDU Quito
• Goal scorer: Jeison Medina (41’)