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Palmeiras Looks to Stay Unbeaten Against Liga de Quito in Copa Libertadores Semifinals

Palmeiras of Brazil will put its unbeaten record on the line this Thursday in the 2025 Copa Libertadores, facing a determined Liga de Quito in the first leg of the semifinals. The Brazilian powerhouse, aiming for its fourth Libertadores title, comes into the match with an impressive nine wins and one draw and is eager to take another step toward the final.

The Ecuadorian side, coached by Tiago Nunes, knows it faces a difficult challenge against the formidable Verdão, but it hopes to make the most of Quito’s altitude (2,850 meters above sea level) as its biggest advantage. “The idea is to press and suffocate Palmeiras,” said defender Leonel Quiñónez, who hinted that the team plans to disrupt the opponent’s fast and direct play led by Roque and Flaco López.

Liga de Quito Faces Key Absences for the Semifinal Clash

The Ecuadorian club will miss its standout goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle, a key figure in the team’s run to the semifinals, who is sidelined with a right knee ligament injury. His replacement will be Alexander Domínguez, one of the team’s icons with both domestic and international titles. Argentine forward Lisandro Alzugaray will also miss the match due to injury.

In defense, Liga de Quito will rely on Haitian center-back Ricardo Adé, alongside José Quintero and Leonel Quiñónez. The midfield features Carlos Gruezo, Bryan Ramírez, Chilean Fernando Cornejo, and Bolivian Gabriel Villamil. Up front, Michael Estrada and Colombian Jeison Medina will lead the attack.

Domestically, Liga currently sits third in Ecuador’s Liga Pro with 55 points, behind Independiente del Valle (70), and has reached the quarterfinals of the Copa Ecuador.

Palmeiras: The Brazilian Favorite Chasing Its Fourth Libertadores Crown

Palmeiras, champion of the Copa Libertadores in 1999, 2020, and 2021 under Abel Ferreira, arrives as one of the tournament favorites. The team currently leads the Brasileirão with 61 points, tied with Flamengo, which defeated them 3–2 last Sunday.

The Brazilian side will be without starting goalkeeper Weverton, who suffered a hand fracture. His replacement could be Carlos Miguel, recently signed from Nottingham Forest. Midfielder Lucas Evangelista and forward Paulinho are also out with injuries, but Mauricio, who has seven assists in the league, is expected to start.

For Abel Ferreira, regarded as one of Brazil’s top coaches of the 21st century, this is another opportunity to prove Palmeiras’ strength at altitude — just as they did in Bolivia with a 3–2 win over Bolívar during the group stage.

Palmeiras vs. Liga de Quito: A High-Voltage Semifinal

The clash between Palmeiras and Liga de Quito promises to be one of the most thrilling semifinals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores, with the Brazilian giants defending their unbeaten streak and the Ecuadorian side determined to capitalize on home advantage in Quito’s altitude.

The first leg will take place this Thursday at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, with the return match scheduled for next week in São Paulo, where the first finalist of South America’s most prestigious tournament will be decided.