In a highly anticipated clash in the Copa Libertadores, LDU Quito hosted Flamengo at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado on April 22, 2025. The match kicked off at 6:00 PM ET, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in Group C of the tournament.
As the first half progressed, both teams struggled to find the back of the net, leading to a halftime score of 0-0. LDU Quito, coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over Aucas in the Liga Pro, aimed to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Libertadores, having previously drawn against Deportivo Tachira. Flamengo, on the other hand, was looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Vasco da Gama in the Brasileirão. With both teams needing a win, the stakes were high.
During the first half, LDU Quito's Cornejo received a yellow card, marking the first caution of the match. Neither coach opted to make substitutions at halftime, indicating their confidence in the starting XI to turn the game around. The players returned to the field with renewed energy, but the first half had shown that both teams were well-matched.
Flamengo, known for their attacking prowess, began the second half with a more aggressive approach, dominating possession early on. However, LDU Quito’s defense held firm, and the home side began to create their own chances. The match saw a series of near misses, including a powerful shot from Pulgar that sailed over the crossbar, and a close-range attempt from Alzugaray that went wide.
With the match still goalless, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Fans of LDU Quito urged their team forward, hoping to capitalize on their home advantage at the high altitude of Quito, which stands at 2,850 meters above sea level. Flamengo's manager, Filipe Luis, had made the strategic decision to leave out key players Allan and Nicolás De la Cruz due to the altitude’s effects, a move that could potentially affect their performance.
As the second half wore on, LDU Quito began to assert themselves more, pushing Flamengo back into their defensive third. The home side’s efforts were rewarded with several corner kicks, but they struggled to convert these opportunities into goals. The match was still very much in the balance, and both teams were searching for that elusive breakthrough.
In the context of the group standings, LDU Quito led Group C with four points, thanks to a better goal difference than Central Córdoba, who also had four points. Flamengo, sitting in third place, desperately needed a win to improve their chances of advancing in the tournament. The pressure was mounting as the match approached its final minutes.
With time running out, both teams intensified their efforts. Flamengo attempted to regain control of the game, but LDU Quito’s defense was resolute. The referee, Derlis López from Paraguay, kept a close eye on the proceedings, ensuring that the match remained competitive.
As the clock ticked down, the tension reached a fever pitch. LDU Quito's fans roared with every attack, while Flamengo's supporters remained hopeful for a late goal. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams trading chances but failing to convert.
Ultimately, the match ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock. The final score remained 0-0, a result that left LDU Quito still unbeaten in the group stage, while Flamengo was left to ponder their missed opportunities. LDU Quito’s defense proved to be the key to their success, while Flamengo would need to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward.
Post-match, LDU Quito's coach, Pablo 'Vitamina' Sánchez, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to maintain composure against a formidable opponent. "We played well defensively and created chances, but we need to improve our finishing to secure victories in these tight matches," he stated.
Flamengo’s manager, Filipe Luis, acknowledged the challenges posed by the altitude and the impact of missing key players. "It was a tough match, and we had our chances, but we need to be sharper in front of goal if we want to compete at this level," he remarked.
The result leaves LDU Quito in a strong position as they look to build on their momentum in the Copa Libertadores, while Flamengo will have to address their shortcomings ahead of their next fixture. With qualification to the knockout stages at stake, both teams will be eager to improve in their upcoming matches.
