Tiago Nunes praises Palmeiras, keeps calm after first-leg win | OneFootball

The LDU achieved a great victory, by 3 to 0, over Palmeiras, on Thursday night, in the first leg of the semifinal of the Libertadores. The coach of the Ecuadorian team, Tiago Nunes, praised the opponent and preferred to avoid euphoria over the advantage built in the first leg.

“With a lot of respect, we studied our opponent. Palmeiras is the most consistent and competitive team in South America in recent years. We respect the opponent, understand our strengths, and try to seek the result from the first minute, which is our characteristic,” said Tiago Nunes.

LDU scored 3 to 0 just in the first half

LDU was overwhelming in the first half, at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito, and built the 3 to 0 score in the first half. Villamíl scored 1 to 0 at 16 minutes, Alzugaray, from a penalty, extended it at 26, and finally, Villamíl again made it 3 to 0 at 46 minutes.

“Since I arrived here, this was one of the best first halves we’ve played, if not the best. Not only for the goals but for the consistency of the performance. It’s an important result, but not decisive. I know these games, the opponent we have ahead. Respect and we have to keep our feet on the ground, knowing that the second game will be very tough and we will have to work hard to deserve to be in the next phase,” analyzed the LDU coach.

Palmeiras used to turning results around

After the match, coach Abel Ferreira gave a speech trusting in his team's comeback. Tiago Nunes agreed with what the Palmeiras coach said and mentioned that he is aware of this “fame” of the opponent.

“What the Palmeiras coach said is right: it is a team that is used to turning results around. We know and are aware of this. Perhaps that is why we are more prepared for the second game. We know who we are playing against,” said Tiago Nunes.

Match situation

Having the best overall campaign, Palmeiras has the chance to decide at home, where they will try to make a comeback. The second leg is scheduled for next Thursday, October 30, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo (SP).

LDU only needs a draw to advance. Meanwhile, Palmeiras needs to win by at least three goals to take the decision to penalties.

Upcoming games

On one side, LDU remains 100% focused on the Libertadores semifinal. On the other, Palmeiras divides its attention with the Brazilian Championship.

LDU

Palmeiras vs LDU Competition: Libertadores (Second leg, semifinal) Location: at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo (SP) Date: October 30, 2025 (Thursday) Time: at 9:30 PM (Brasília time)

Palmeiras

Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro Competition: Brazilian Championship (30th round) Location: at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo (SP) Date: October 26, 2025 (Sunday) Time: at 8:30 PM (Brasília time)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.