VIDEO | Libertadores 2024 Highlights: LDU Quito vs Junior
Colombian forward José Enamorado's goal and Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Melle's numerous interventions ensured Junior de Barranquilla's victory (0-1) at Liga de Quito's home in the fifth matchday of the Copa Libertadores group stage.
With nine points out of 15 possible, the Colombian team reached provisional leadership in Group D, a scenario that could change this Thursday if Botafogo, with six points, triumphs over Universitario in Peruvian territory, who have five points.
The Colombian team now has the best chance to secure their spot in the round of 16.
Enamorado scored in the 36th minute, and Melle neutralized several scoring opportunities from Liga de Quito, who remained with 4 points and virtually mortgaged their chances of continuing in the Copa Libertadores. The Ecuadorian team is now closer to the option of fighting for the third place in the group to seek a spot in the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana.
Liga de Quito created six goal-scoring opportunities during the first half through Luis Estupiñán, Lisandro Alzugaray, Alex Arce, Marco Angulo, and Michael Estrada.
In contrast, the visitors capitalized on the first chance they had.
Carlos Bacca recovered the ball from midfield and launched a pass to Enamorado from a great distance. Liga's goalkeeper, Marco Pérez, initially stopped the shot, but Enamorado capitalized on the rebound to score.
In the second half, Liga de Quito pressed more, but they encountered Melle's resistance.
The Venezuelan forward Jan Hurtado wasted the last opportunity for the Ecuadorians to equalize when he anticipated the Uruguayan goalkeeper's exit, but his shot narrowly missed the target.