Palmeiras Struggles at High Altitude Falling to LDU Complicating Libertadores Campaign
Palmeiras faced a challenging match against LDU at the high altitude of Quito, suffering a heavy defeat of 3-0 in the first leg of their Libertadores semifinal on Thursday, September 23. This loss has complicated their chances in the tournament.
Match Overview
The game was dominated by LDU, who scored all three goals in the first half. The goals were netted by Villamíl, who scored twice, and Alzugaray, who converted a penalty.
Key Match Events
- Goals:
- 17th minute: Villamíl opened the scoring after a defensive error from Khellven.
- 27th minute: Alzugaray scored from the penalty spot after a handball from Andreas Pereira.
- In stoppage time: Villamíl scored his second, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Defensive Struggles: This match marked a significant moment for the team, as it was the first time in 25 years that Palmeiras was down by three goals in a Libertadores match.
- Next Steps: Palmeiras must now win the second leg by four goals to advance directly or by three to force a penalty shootout.
Upcoming Match Details
The return leg is scheduled for Thursday, September 30, at Allianz Parque, starting at 21:30 local time (Brasília).
LDU’s Strategic Advantage
LDU successfully utilized their home advantage in Quito, mirroring their previous successes against Brazilian teams in this tournament. Coach Tiago Nunes has crafted a resilient side that effectively capitalizes on the altitude and early scoring opportunities.
Palmeiras’ Missed Opportunities
Despite being under pressure, Palmeiras had a chance to score in the second half. Sosa broke free but was thwarted by a remarkable save from LDU’s goalkeeper, Dominguez, maintaining the clean sheet.
Implications Moving Forward
As the reigning champions in 2008, LDU heads into the second leg with a formidable advantage. A victory for Palmeiras is essential to keep their Libertadores campaign alive, with the final match in Lima, Peru, awaiting the winner of Racing versus Flamengo.
