In a historic debut in the Copa Libertadores, Central Córdoba faced Liga de Quito on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, resulting in a goalless draw. The match marked Central Córdoba's first appearance in the prestigious tournament after qualifying by winning the Copa Argentina, while Liga de Quito, a former champion, aimed to start their campaign strongly.
From the outset, Central Córdoba displayed an aggressive approach, seeking to dominate the game on home soil. Just one minute into the match, Matías Perelló nearly put the hosts ahead with a powerful header, but Liga's goalkeeper, Gonzalo Valle, made a crucial save. This early chance set the tone for what would be a competitive encounter.
Despite the home side’s initial pressure, Liga de Quito gradually found their footing. However, their midfield struggled to maintain possession, allowing Central Córdoba to control the ball effectively. The visitors managed few clear chances, with only Alex Arce emerging as a notable attacking threat.
As the first half progressed, a pivotal moment occurred at the 41-minute mark when Central Córdoba was denied a penalty. Following a VAR review, the referee decided not to award a penalty for a handball by José Quintero, which left the home crowd frustrated. The decision was a significant talking point as Central Córdoba had clearly been the more threatening side.
After the halftime break, Central Córdoba continued to press for a breakthrough. They created several opportunities, but Valle remained a formidable presence in goal for Liga de Quito. He showcased his skills with a spectacular save in the 56th minute, denying a close-range shot from Leonardo Heredia. Just four minutes later, Quintero cleared a shot off the line, preserving the scoreline for his team.
However, the match took a turn when Valle, who had been instrumental for Liga, suffered a calf injury in the 72nd minute. He was replaced by Alexis Villa, which raised concerns for the Ecuadorian side as they lost their standout performer in a tightly contested match.
Despite the changes, Liga de Quito managed to hold on for the draw, securing a point in their group stage opener. Both teams now sit in Group C alongside Flamengo and Deportivo Táchira, who also played on the same day. The draw means that Central Córdoba will look to regroup as they prepare for their next match against Flamengo at the Maracanã on April 9, 2025.
Central Córdoba’s performance was commendable, especially considering their recent form in the Argentinian league, where they had only one win in their last seven matches. They currently sit sixth in Zone A of the Torneo Apertura with 18 points. Their last league game ended in a 1-1 draw against Argentinos Juniors, indicating they have struggled to find consistency.
On the other hand, Liga de Quito is enjoying a solid start to their domestic season, currently second in the Ecuadorian league with 11 points from six matches. They recently secured a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Cuenca, showcasing their potential as they aim to make a deep run in the Copa Libertadores.
Historically, Liga de Quito has faced numerous challenges in Argentina, having played 16 matches against various Argentine teams with a record of just one win, six draws, and nine losses. Their only victory came against Arsenal de Sarandí in 2008 when they lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy. This match against Central Córdoba was a chance to improve their record, but they will need to build on this draw to advance in the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will be keen to secure vital points to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Central Córdoba, with their passionate home support, will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on their opportunities in upcoming matches, while Liga de Quito will aim to bounce back and assert their experience in the continental competition.
With the Copa Libertadores now underway, fans can expect an exciting season filled with thrilling matches and memorable moments. Central Córdoba's debut has set the stage for what promises to be a captivating journey in one of South America's most prestigious tournaments.
