LDU Quito has done it again! The celebrated football club claimed its 2024 Ecuadorian Championship title, overcoming Independiente del Valle with a 3-1 aggregate score over two intense final matches. The championship decider unfolded on December 14, 2024, at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil, located in the capital city of Quito.
The first leg of the final, played on December 7, 2024, saw LDU flex its muscles with a commanding 3-0 victory, setting the stage for their eventual triumph. Scoring for LDU during this match were Alex Arce and Gabriel Villamil, whose contributions established a comfortable buffer heading to the second leg.
Despite facing pressure from IDV during the return match, LDU managed to withstand the attacks and positioned themselves strategically. The hosts needed to overcome the significant disadvantage from the first leg and pushed hard, culminating in Luis Zárate's goal at the 51-minute mark of the second half, giving IDV its lone victory of the encounter. Yet, with LDU leading on aggregate, the goal was more of consolation than victory.
LDU’s head coach, Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez, was seen orchestrated defensive plays, demonstrating the club's tactical proficiency throughout the season. Known for his time-management skills, goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez’s experience also played a pivotal role, successfully frustrating IDV's attempts to score.
Remarkably, this championship win marks LDU's 13th title in Ecuadorian football history. They now stand equal with El Nacional for total national titles, presently trailing only Emelec and Barcelona. This victory signifies another step toward LDU continuing to build on its legacy as one of Ecuador's premier football institutions.
Independiente del Valle, meanwhile, must grapple with becoming specialists at finishing second. They entered this championship after claiming the first phase and were seen as formidable contenders. Yet, the team’s failure to convert its prowess on the field to tangible victories has weighed heavily on its morale. Just weeks prior, they faced defeat against El Nacional, losing 1-0 in the final of the Copa del Ecuador, adding another layer of frustration to their season.
The rivalry between LDU and IDV has intensified over recent years, highlighted by LDU's two consecutive titles against IDV. While IDV has shown quality and talent, they struggled to break through during decisive matches, reflecting the difficulties of maintaining momentum at these high-stakes levels.
Fans are already turning their eyes forward to what next season holds, with LDU set to compete once more on the international stage as they secure their spot in the Copa Libertadores 2025. They aim to carry forward not just the momentum from this victory but their strategy of reinforcing their squad as they vie for continued success on both local and international fronts.
