LDU in the Libertadores: history, stats and trivia on Palmeiras’ rivals | OneFootball

Champion in 2008, LDU reaches the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores da América 2025 as one of the great surprises of the competition. The Ecuadorian club will face another Brazilian opponent, Palmeiras, seeking to maintain its historic trajectory of success and resilience against South American giants.

History in the Libertadores

Founded in 1930, LDU has established itself as a force in Ecuadorian football. Its greatest international glory came in 2008, when it was crowned champion of the Copa Libertadores, becoming the first club from Ecuador to win the tournament. In the final against Fluminense, the first match in Quito ended 4-2 for LDU, and the second at Maracanã ended 3-1 for the Cariocas, but the trophy was decided on penalties: 3-1 for the Ecuadorians, with goalkeeper Cevallos becoming a hero by saving three shots.

In total, the team has 22 participations in the Copa Libertadores, with standout campaigns since the 1970s. The years were: 1970, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025.

Throughout its history in the Libertadores, LDU has recorded impressive home victories, such as the 6-1 against Arsenal de Sarandí in 2008 and the 5-0 against Peñarol in 2011. Away from home, the club also had great triumphs, like the 2-0 against Cobreloa in 2004. The club's top scorer in international tournaments is Hernán Barcos, with 20 goals.

Besides the 2008 title, LDU has two Copa Sudamericana titles (2009 and 2023) and two Recopa Sudamericanas (against Internacional and Estudiantes), as well as a runner-up finish in the 2008 World Cup and three more runner-up finishes in continental tournaments. Thus, the club has established itself as a traditional team, with five titles and three runner-up finishes in Conmebol competitions in total.

Total matches: 177

2025 Campaign

LDU has stood out in the 2025 Libertadores by eliminating favorite Brazilian teams, reinforcing its reputation as a “giant killer,” as highlighted by the Spanish newspaper AS. After defeating Botafogo in the round of 16, the Ecuadorian team eliminated São Paulo in the quarterfinals, reaching the semifinals with great morale.

Matches against Brazilian clubs

LDU has a positive history against Brazilian teams. Besides the 2008 title against Fluminense, it won the Copa Sudamericana in 2009 also against the Carioca team. In the current edition of the Libertadores, it eliminated two clubs from Brazil (Botafogo and São Paulo), reinforcing its fame as a tough opponent for Brazilians.

Next step: Palmeiras

Now, LDU prepares to face Palmeiras in the semifinals. The first match takes place this Thursday at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, with the Ecuadorian team looking to maintain its successful streak and take advantage of the altitude factor in Quito.

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