The 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals promise high drama, with Ecuador’s LDU Quito vs Palmeiras (Brazil’s powerhouse) in the first leg on October 23, 2025, at the high-altitude Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito (kickoff 8:30 PM ET).
The 2025 Copa Libertadores return leg follows on October 30 at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. This clash pits LDU’s rock-solid defense against Palmeiras’ prolific attack, as both sides vie for a spot in the final against either Flamengo or Racing Club.
With the altitude advantage in Quito (~2,850m), LDU could edge the opener, but Palmeiras’ experience in big ties makes them slight favorites to advance.
The 2025 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores, the 66th edition of South America’s top club football tournament, has reached the semifinal stage, featuring the best teams: LDU Quito, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Racing Club.
2025 Copa Libertadores Semifinal – LDU Quito vs Palmeiras Journey
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LDU Quito’s Resilient Journey
LDU Quito, the 2008 Libertadores champions, have been the tournament’s defensive benchmark, boasting seven clean sheets—the most in the competition.
They advanced from Group C with a convincing 3-0 win over Central Córdoba to secure second place behind Flamengo.
In the round of 16, they overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to Botafogo with a 2-0 home victory, showcasing their grit. The quarterfinals saw them stun São Paulo 3-0 on aggregate: a 2-0 win in Quito followed by a historic 1-0 triumph at Morumbí Stadium, where Jeison Medina’s goal sealed their semifinal berth.
Domestically, LDU sit third in the 2025 Liga Pro after clinching their 13th league title in 2024. Under Brazilian manager Tiago Nunes, they’ve scored just 13 goals but conceded only four, relying on efficiency.
Palmeiras’ Attacking Dominance
Palmeiras, winners in 2020 and 2021, have lit up the 2025 edition as the top scorers with 26 goals across 10 matches, including six clean sheets and a 6-0 demolition of Sporting Cristal.
They cruised through the group stage before edging River Plate 5-2 on aggregate in the quarters: a 2-1 home win followed by a 3-1 victory in Buenos Aires, with Vitor Roque starring.
Managed by Portuguese tactician Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras are third in the Brazilian Serie A with 49 points from 28 games, blending youth and experience seamlessly. Their depth has been key, though the trip to Quito’s thin air will test their preparations.
LDU Quito vs Palmeiras Key Players to Watch
LDU Quito
- Alex Arce (Forward): Tied for the team’s top scorer with four goals, including crucial strikes in the knockouts. His poaching in the box could exploit Palmeiras’ occasional lapses.
- Lisandro Alzugaray (Midfielder): The Argentine’s four goals and creative spark have driven LDU’s transitions; expect him to pull strings from midfield.
- Jeison Medina (Forward): Hero of the São Paulo upset with the quarterfinal winner; his pace on the counter will be vital.
Palmeiras
- Flaco López (Forward): Tournament’s joint-top scorer with five goals; the Argentine striker’s hold-up play and finishing make him a constant threat.
- Vitor Roque (Forward): The young Barcelona loanee scored twice against River Plate, embodying Palmeiras’ lethal front line.
- Filipe Luis (Defender): The veteran left-back anchors a backline that’s conceded just seven goals, while contributing offensively.
LDU Quito vs Palmeiras Head-to-Head History
The sides have met twice before, splitting the spoils 1-1: LDU edged a 3-2 thriller in 2009 (Libertadores group stage), while Palmeiras won 2-0 in the 2021 round of 16.
No draws, and both games saw over 2.5 goals, hinting at an open semifinal. LDU’s home form in recent Libertadores ties (unbeaten in last five) gives them an edge in leg one.
LDU Quito vs Palmeiras Predictions
Palmeiras enter as marginal favorites to advance, buoyed by their scoring prowess and knockout pedigree—Brazilian clubs have won the last six Libertadores titles.
However, LDU’s altitude fortress (unbeaten in 2025 home Libertadores games) could yield a narrow first-leg win.
We predict a 42% chance of Palmeiras victory in Quito, 32% for LDU, and 26% draw.
- Predictions Score – LDU Quito 1-2 Palmeiras
First-Leg Odds:
All the First-Leg Odds are based on public predictions and analytical estimates.
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| LDU Quito Win | +180 |
| Draw | +200 |
| Palmeiras Win | +170 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | -110 |
| Both Teams Score | -125 |
Tournament Winner Odds:
All the match odds are based on public predictions and analytical estimates.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Palmeiras | +137 |
| Flamengo | +137 |
| Racing Club | +600 |
| LDU Quito | +800 |
Expect a cagey opener with LDU grinding out a 1-0 or 2-1 win, setting up a tense return. Whichever advances, they’ll carry momentum into a potential all-Brazilian final.
How to Watch LDU Quito vs Palmeiras 2025 Copa Libertadores Semifinal
All matches, including semifinals, air live on beIN SPORTS (English) and beIN SPORTS en Español (Spanish).
Brazilian viewers enjoy extensive coverage, with Globo broadcasting free-to-air finals and key games. Across the rest of South America (LATAM), ESPN dominates pay-TV, while Paramount provides free-to-air options in select countries.
