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Palmeiras, led by Abel Ferreira, face one of the most challenging nights in their recent history. The Verdão host LDU Quito this Thursday needing a miracle comeback after suffering a 3-0 defeat in Ecuador in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals—a result that not only ended their unbeaten run in the tournament but also marked the heaviest loss of the Ferreira era in continental competition.
Abel Ferreira’s Faith and the Hope in His Strike Duo
Despite the daunting scenario, the Portuguese coach remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around and has urged Palmeiras fans to pack the Allianz Parque for what he called “a magical night.”
“We are a team of comebacks. I have faith that something special will happen on Thursday. Don’t ask me how, but I believe in this group,” said Abel Ferreira after the goalless draw against Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão.
And he has reason to believe. Palmeiras will rely heavily on their in-form attacking duo of José ‘Flaco’ López and Vitor Roque, who have been crucial to the team’s success in recent weeks. Between them, they have 31 goal contributions in their last 17 matches, with Vitor Roque tallying 13 goals and four assists and Flaco López adding 11 goals and two assists.
Both started in the team’s latest league fixture, where Palmeiras defended their position at the top of the Brasileirão, and they are expected to lead the attack once again as the club look to overturn the deficit against the Ecuadorian side.
LDU Quito Confident but Missing Key Players
On the other side, LDU Quito, coached by Brazilian Tiago Nunes, travel to Brazil with a comfortable lead but without complacency. Goals from Bolivian Gabriel Villamil and Argentine Lisandro Alzugaray in the first leg put the Ecuadorian side in firm control, but Nunes knows that the atmosphere at the Allianz Parque and Palmeiras’ pedigree could make the return leg much more complicated.
The visitors will also have to cope with key absences. Starting goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle is sidelined with a serious knee injury that will keep him out for 12 to 16 weeks, while forward Brayan Ramírez is suspended after being sent off late in the first leg.
Unlike Palmeiras, the Ecuadorian side arrive fresher, as their Liga Pro fixture against Independiente del Valle was postponed to allow full focus on this decisive clash.
All or Nothing on the Road to Lima
The winner of this semifinal will face the victor between Racing and Flamengo, whose tie will be decided on Wednesday, in the grand final on November 29 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima.
With wounded pride but unwavering belief, Palmeiras aim to pull off another heroic comeback worthy of their continental legacy, while LDU Quito dream of returning to a Copa Libertadores final for the first time in over a decade. The stage is set for a night of high drama, emotion, and perhaps another legendary chapter in South American football history.
