Introduction – Sao Paulo vs LDU Quito
On September 25, 2025, São Paulo hosted LDU Quito at Morumbi Stadium in the second leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. São Paulo needed to overturn the defeat suffered in Ecuador, but they were outmatched once again: they lost 1-0, with Medina scoring in the first half. With the result, the São Paulo club is eliminated from the competition, 3-0 on aggregate.
The São Paulo vs. LDU Quito match was marked by tension, frustration, and defensive lapses. Even with the support of over 54,000 fans, the team was unable to react to the strength and organization of their opponent, who maintained their tradition of being a tormentor of Brazilians in the Libertadores. The elimination further extends the Tricolor’s continental drought, having not won the Libertadores since 2005.
Before the game: context, lineups and expectations
Situation of clubs
São Paulo arrived under pressure after a 2-0 loss in Quito. Hernán Crespo’s team needed a near-perfect performance to turn things around and sought inspiration from the club’s historic comebacks in the continental tournament. Off the field, the fans did their part, ensuring a full house and a record revenue of R$8.3 million for the season.
In addition to the sporting pressure, there was also the weight of political and administrative instability. The board had been criticized for the lack of significant reinforcements and financial problems that limited the squad. The fans saw the match as a chance to transform the season.
LDU Quito, meanwhile, came into the game buoyed by the advantage gained in the first leg. Known for its track record against Brazilians, the Ecuadorian team’s mission was to maintain tactical discipline and exploit counterattacks. The squad’s confidence was high, even more so after eliminating Botafogo in the round of 16. Coach Luis Zubeldía emphasized the strategy of neutralizing São Paulo’s strengths and being lethal in transitions.
Lineups
- Sao Paulo : Rafael; Igor Vinicius, Arboleda, Diego Costa and Welington; Bobadilla, Galoppo and Rodriguinho; Ferreira, Luciano and Dinenno.
- LDU Quito : Valle; Quintero, Ordóñez, Caicedo and Ramírez; Piovi, Alcívar, Medina and Angulo; Julio and Guerrero.
Expectations
The atmosphere at Morumbi Stadium was intense, with 54,609 fans in attendance. São Paulo had to press from the start, while LDU focused on withstanding the initial pressure and exploiting space at speed. For the Ecuadorians, every minute without conceding a goal boosted their confidence. For the Tricolor fans, the game was viewed as a pre-match decision, with a final atmosphere.
First half – Medina silences Morumbi
São Paulo started aggressively, creating chances early on. Rigoni hit the crossbar, and Luciano shot over the bar in a dangerous play. However, their lack of accuracy took its toll. In the 37th minute, after a quick counterattack, Medina capitalized on a defensive breakdown and opened the scoring for LDU.
The goal was a shock for the Tricolor fans, who slowed down the pace in the stands. The São Paulo team continued to try with crosses and shots from outside the box, but were thwarted by goalkeeper Valle’s excellent performance. LDU, for its part, seemed comfortable with the result and even threatened with counterattacks led by Julio and Guerrero.
The first half ended with São Paulo anxious, accumulating passing errors in midfield and insisting on aerial plays that were ineffective. The feeling was that the team needed much more organization and intensity to turn things around.
Second half – failed attempt at reaction
After the break, Crespo tried to reinvigorate the team. Luciano found the net in the second minute, but the goal was disallowed for Dinenno’s offside. São Paulo continued to press but struggled to create chances.
Rodriguinho took a shot from outside the box, forcing Valle to make a good save. Tricolor tried to surprise with corners and aerial balls, but the Ecuadorian defense remained solid. In the end, LDU controlled the result and confirmed their qualification.
Despite their efforts, São Paulo showed little tactical variation. The introduction of young players from the youth academy gave them speed, but their lack of experience was evident. Each attack seemed more like an act of desperation than a rehearsed play. LDU, coolly, simply awaited the final whistle.
Sao Paulo vs LDU Quito Statistics
| Statistic | São Paulo | LDU Quito |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 1 |
| Finalizations | 14 | 7 |
| Finishes on target | 4 | 3 |
| Ball possession | 60% | 40% |
| Corners | 8 | 3 |
| Absences | 12 | 15 |
| Public | 54,609 | – |
| Income | R$ 8.3 million | – |
The numbers demonstrate São Paulo’s dominance in possession, but also LDU’s efficiency in exploiting space and being lethal in creating chances. The difference lay in their accuracy: while São Paulo lacked finishing, the Ecuadorians were clinical.
Impact of the result
For Sao Paulo
The elimination represents a huge disappointment. The club, which had planned to return to the decisive stages of the Copa Libertadores, is leaving with criticism of the board and coaching staff. The early exit also impacts financially, as the club loses revenue from semifinal and final prize money.
Furthermore, the result raises questions about the season’s planning. Crespo is under pressure due to a lack of tactical alternatives and his inability to replicate the success of previous campaigns. Key players like Luciano and Galoppo are feeling worn out after underwhelming performances.
To LDU Quito
The qualification reinforces their reputation as “giant killers.” After eliminating Botafogo and now São Paulo, the Ecuadorian team arrives at the semifinals on a high note and will face Palmeiras, who are seeking another continental title. LDU once again demonstrates that their strength is not merely circumstantial, but the result of solid planning and competitiveness.
Tactical Analysis – São Paulo vs. LDU Quito
São Paulo struggled to break down LDU’s compact defense. They lacked creativity in midfield and efficiency in attack. The substitutions didn’t change the situation, and the team proved vulnerable to counterattacks.
LDU, on the other hand, demonstrated tactical discipline, maintaining organized defensive lines and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. Medina’s goal reflected a well-executed strategy: winning back the ball, accelerating quickly, and finishing with precision. The Ecuadorian team knew how to turn every detail into an opportunity, something São Paulo lacked.
Individual highlights
- Medina (LDU) : scorer of the winning goal and offensive highlight.
- Valle (LDU) : safe, defended all dangerous shots.
- Luciano (São Paulo) : tried to be the protagonist, but had his goal disallowed.
- Rodriguinho (São Paulo) : took more risks from outside the area and caused danger.
- Guerrero (LDU) : a reference in attack, he bothered the tricolor defense.
Conclusion – São Paulo vs LDU Quito
The match between São Paulo and LDU Quito once again demonstrated the strength of the Ecuadorian team in continental competitions. Despite the support of their fans, the Tricolor was unable to overturn the deficit and suffered another home elimination.
For LDU, the victory cements the team’s status as one of the biggest surprises in the 2025 Copa Libertadores, now with the semifinal against Palmeiras looming. São Paulo, meanwhile, will need to reevaluate its course this season, focusing on the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil. The result reinforces the need for more consistent planning to return the club to high-level competition in South America.
FAQs – Sao Paulo vs. LDU Quito
1. What was the score of the São Paulo vs. LDU match?
LDU won 1-0 at Morumbi Stadium, with a goal from Medina. Overall, LDU won 3-0 to the Ecuadorians.
2. Who was the standout performer of the match?
Medina, who scored the goal, and goalkeeper Valle, who made important saves to secure the result.
3. How many fans were at Morumbi Stadium?
54,609 fans attended, generating R$8.3 million in revenue, the club’s highest of the season.
4. Did São Paulo have a goal disallowed?
Yes, Luciano scored early in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
5. Who will be LDU’s opponent in the Libertadores semifinals?
LDU will face Palmeiras , who qualified in the other quarterfinal match.
6. What impact did the elimination have on São Paulo?
In addition to the sporting frustration, the club is losing out on bonus revenue and facing internal pressure on its board and coaching staff.
7. Why is LDU called the “giant killer”?
Because it eliminated two major Brazilian clubs in the same edition of the Libertadores: Botafogo and São Paulo.
8. What were São Paulo’s main mistakes?
Ineffective finishing, defensive errors on counterattacks, and lack of creativity in midfield.
9. How did the fans react to the elimination?
There were protests in the stands after the final whistle. Some fans called for changes in management and harshly criticized the team’s performance.
10. What is LDU’s record against Brazilian teams in the Libertadores?
LDU has a positive track record, having eliminated teams like Fluminense, Botafogo, and São Paulo in decisive stages, reinforcing its reputation as a tormentor.
