Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito booked their spot in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday after a convincing 3-0 win over Argentina’s Central Córdoba, who now drop down to the Copa Sudamericana playoff after failing to finish in the top two of Group C.

Three-way tie, but LDU on top thanks to goal difference

In a tight finish, LDU, Flamengo, and Central Córdoba all ended the group stage with 11 points, but the Ecuadorians topped the group thanks to their superior goal difference. The Brazilian side also made it through as runners-up, while the team from Córdoba will now play in the next round of the Sudamericana.

LDU Quito, known as Ecuador’s "King of Cups", sealed qualification with a goal from Alexander Alvarado in the 15th minute and a brace from Argentine Lisandro Alzugaray, who scored in the 44th and 53rd. It was a dominant performance, with the home side showing firepower and solid teamwork.

New coach, new energy

The Quito side didn’t seem affected by the recent departure of Argentine coach Pablo 'Vitamina' Sánchez, who had been under fire for the team’s shaky form in the local league. Under interim boss Patricio Hurtado, the squad showed a much more aggressive and effective version of itself — a big contrast from the one that lost 3-1 to Universidad Católica last weekend in the Liga Pro.

The opening goal came off a cross from José Quintero on the right, met by a pinpoint header from Alvarado. Goalkeeper José Valle was also key for LDU, coming up big twice to deny Matías Perelló and keep the clean sheet intact.

In the second half, a long ball from Paraguayan striker Álex Arce set up Alzugaray, who finished low to make it 2-0. The third came after a great team play, where Alzugaray beat Arce to the shot and coolly slotted it past Alan Aguerre at the near post. Nicolás Quagliata had a golden chance to pull one back for Central Córdoba, but his shot toward an open goal was cleared off the line by Richard Mina.