LIVE! Sao Paulo vs LDU Quito on beIN SPORTS
São Paulo face a do-or-die clash in the Copa Libertadores this Thursday when they host LDU Quito at the Morumbí. The Ecuadorian side arrive with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, meaning Hernán Crespo’s team need nothing short of a miracle: a three-goal win to advance to the semifinals or at least a two-goal victory to force penalties.
São Paulo, battling absences and chasing a comeback
The Paulista side are going through a rough patch. After their loss in Quito, they suffered another setback in the Brasileirao against Santos, a result that left them seventh in the domestic standings. To make matters worse, Crespo faces a wave of absences for this decisive match.
Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri and André Silva are sidelined with knee injuries, while Luan was ruled out at the last minute with a muscle problem. There are also doubts surrounding Luiz Gustavo, who only recently recovered from pulmonary thromboembolism.
The Argentine coach may get a boost with the return of Oscar, back after overcoming vertebral fractures, though he is expected to start on the bench. Lucas Moura has also returned to training following knee surgery. São Paulo’s main attacking hopes will rest on Enzo Díaz, Rodriguinho, Ferreira, and Luciano.
LDU Quito confident in keeping the pressure on
Meanwhile, Tiago Nunes’ LDU Quito intend to maintain the intensity they showed in the first leg. “We’ll keep a high tempo and press aggressively,” warned goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle before traveling to Brazil.
The Quito side are coming off a 2-4 loss against Universidad Católica in the Ecuadorian league, though they remain third in the standings, 15 points behind leaders Independiente del Valle. For this match, Nunes will count on first-leg scorers Bryan Ramírez and Michael Estrada, who will look to repeat their success at the Morumbí.
The visitors will be without Alexander Alvarado and Alejandro Cabeza, both injured, but regain defender Richard Mina, who returns from suspension.
With São Paulo forced to attack and LDU holding the cushion of their advantage, the match promises intensity and drama from the first whistle. The Paulista fans dream of a historic comeback, while the Ecuadorian side are confident they can deliver another blow and book their place in the semifinals.
