São Paulo crash out of the Copa Libertadores after a 1-0 home defeat to LDU Quito. Jeison Medina’s decisive strike sealed a 3-0 aggregate win, sending the Ecuadorians to their first semifinal in 17 years, where they will face Palmeiras.
São Paulo’s journey in the 2025 Copa Libertadores came to a bitter end on Thursday night as the Brazilian club fell once again to LDU Quito, this time on home soil at Morumbi Stadium.
A narrow 1-0 defeat sealed their elimination, with the Ecuadorian side progressing to the semifinals for the first time since 2008, the year they memorably lifted the trophy. For São Paulo, a club with three Libertadores titles and lofty continental ambitions, the result marked another painful setback in their quest to reestablish themselves among South America’s elite.
The decisive moment of the night came just before halftime. After soaking up pressure for much of the opening 30 minutes, LDU Quito sprang into life on the counterattack. Colombian striker Jeison Medina exploited space behind the defense, showing both strength and acceleration to beat Alan Franco before unleashing a precise low finish into the corner past goalkeeper Rafael. The goal not only stunned the home crowd but also gave Quito an aggregate 3-0 advantage following their 2-0 win in the first leg in Ecuador. From that moment, the task for São Paulo became monumental.
Manager Luis Zubeldía’s game plan for LDU Quito was clear and effective: defend compactly, frustrate the opponent, and strike with pace in transition. The strategy worked to perfection. São Paulo dominated possession but lacked imagination and variety in their attacking play, often resorting to hopeful long balls or predictable crosses easily dealt with by the Ecuadorian backline. Meanwhile, the visitors remained disciplined, showing the experience and composure of a side that has thrived on the continental stage before.
The second half saw São Paulo push desperately to change the narrative. Luciano, one of the team’s most experienced forwards, thought he had pulled one back early after converting a chance inside the box, but the assistant referee’s flag for offside cut short the celebrations. Minutes later, Luciano again had the ball in the net, only for the referee to disallow the effort due to a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Valle in the buildup. Both decisions were met with frustration from the players and the Morumbi faithful, whose hopes of a dramatic comeback were gradually extinguished.
São Paulo’s lack of cutting edge became increasingly apparent as the match wore on. Despite bringing on fresh legs and increasing the tempo, they failed to generate clear opportunities against a resolute Quito defense marshaled by experienced veterans. Every attack seemed to break down in the final third, either through poor decision-making or an inability to unlock the compact Ecuadorian block. In the closing stages, LDU Quito even had chances to extend their lead on the counter, further exposing São Paulo’s vulnerabilities at the back as they threw men forward.
For LDU Quito, this triumph represents not just progression to the semifinals but also a symbolic return to prominence in South American football. Seventeen years after their historic Copa Libertadores title, the Ecuadorian side has reminded the continent of its pedigree. Players like Medina have stepped up at key moments, while Zubeldía’s tactical acumen has ensured they remain difficult opponents for anyone. Their reward is a mouthwatering clash with Palmeiras, a modern powerhouse of Brazilian football who eliminated River Plate in convincing fashion. The semifinal promises to be a fascinating battle between Ecuadorian resilience and Brazilian firepower.
For São Paulo, however, this elimination raises difficult questions. Despite boasting a talented squad and strong domestic performances, their continental campaign ends with disappointment. The inability to adapt tactically, the lack of efficiency in front of goal, and the psychological weight of chasing a deficit all played roles in their downfall. Pressure will now mount on the coaching staff and the club’s board as fans demand answers and a clearer strategy to ensure that São Paulo can once again compete for South America’s top prize.
Ultimately, Thursday’s result was more than just a defeat it was a reminder of how fine the margins are at this level of competition. One lapse in defense, one missed chance, and one disallowed goal can make the difference between glory and heartbreak. While São Paulo will now have to turn their focus back to domestic competitions, LDU Quito marches on, dreaming of another Libertadores title and carrying the pride of Ecuadorian football into the semifinals.
