LDU’s Current Form, Standings, and Key Absences Against Palmeiras
LDU, based in Ecuador, is set to face Palmeiras on October 23 at 21:30 (Brasília time) in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores semifinal. The match will take place at Casa Blanca stadium in Quito. This fixture holds significant importance for LDU, known for its rich history in international competitions.
LDU’s Current Form and Standings
LDU has shown impressive form lately. In their recent outings, they have secured four victories and one draw over the last five matches. Their latest success in the Libertadores includes wins against two Brazilian teams. In the Round of 16, they triumphed over Botafogo, and in the quarter-finals, they overcame São Paulo in both legs.
Local Competitions
In the domestic arena, LDU is performing well. They have reached the quarter-finals of the Copa Ecuador and currently sit in second place in LigaPro. With a total of 55 points, they trail Independiente del Valle, which leads with 70 points.
Key Absences for LDU
Despite their strong performance, LDU faces significant challenges due to player injuries. Recently, their starting goalkeeper, Gonzalo Valle, suffered a serious knee injury and will miss the match against Palmeiras. Valle was instrumental in LDU’s successful quarter-final run.
Stepping in for Valle will be Alexander Domínguez, 38, who has not played in this edition of the Libertadores. Domínguez has accumulated experience over 22 games, predominantly in lesser competitions.
Injury Updates
- Gonzalo Valle: Out due to knee injury
- Lisandro Alzugaray: Also sidelined due to injury
Both absences leave a gap in LDU’s roster, yet they still have key players in contention. Michael Estrada remains a crucial player, sharing the team’s top goal-scoring honor with Alzugaray, as both have netted 11 goals this season.
Probable Line-up for LDU
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alexander Domínguez |
| Defender | Richard Mina |
| Defender | Ricardo Adé |
| Defender | Gian Franco Allala |
| Midfielder | José Quintero |
| Midfielder | Carlos Gruezo |
| Midfielder | Gabriel Villamil |
| Midfielder | Leonel Quiñónez |
| Forward | Bryan Ramirez |
| Forward | Jeison Medina |
Under the guidance of head coach Tiago Nunes, LDU will look to harness their strengths despite the setbacks. They aim to secure a favorable result against Palmeiras as they pursue a spot in the Libertadores final.
