LDU Quito sealed a historic qualification to the Copa Libertadores semifinals after defeating São Paulo 0-1 at the Morumbí, closing out the quarterfinal tie with a 3-0 aggregate. Beyond Jeison Medina’s goal, the true star of the night was goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle, who made 11 saves, becoming an unbreakable wall and keeping the Ecuadorian side alive in their most critical moments.

Valle, the wall of the Morumbí

From the start, Hernán Crespo’s São Paulo took the initiative, fully aware they needed at least three goals to turn things around. During the opening half hour, the home side attacked relentlessly but time and again ran into the safe hands of Valle, who shone between the posts and inspired confidence in his defense.

The blow for the Brazilians came in the 41st minute, when Jeison Medina finished off a lethal counterattack, leaving Alan Franco behind and slotting the ball past Rafael at the near post, silencing the stadium. With that goal, the tie was practically decided, but Valle’s best was still to come.

In the second half, the Ecuadorian keeper multiplied himself to deny 11 shots on target, frustrating forwards like Luciano and preventing the hosts from finding the goal that could have reignited the contest. Even in a chaotic play where he clashed with the Brazilian striker, Valle stayed focused and responded with composure.

LDU return to a semifinal after 17 years

The 0-1 score forced São Paulo to throw everything forward, but their attempts were predictable and lacked precision. LDU Quito, well organized and with an inspired Valle, held firm until the final whistle to clinch a result that takes them back to the semifinals of South America’s biggest tournament for the first time in 17 years.

Their next challenge will be against Palmeiras, who knocked out River Plate and arrive as favorites. However, with the solidity shown in Brazil and Gonzalo Valle in the form of his life, the Quito side have proven they have what it takes to dream of going even further.

The night at the Morumbí will be remembered as the Gonzalo Valle show — the Ecuadorian keeper, with his 11 saves, was the silent hero who kept LDU’s Libertadores dream alive.