By Louis Smith.
The second 2025 Copa Libertadores semi-final sees Palmeiras take on underdogs LDU Quito of Ecuador, in a matchup with very limited historical context. The two teams have only met once before, during the second stage of the 2009 Copa Libertadores. On that occasion, LDU Quito, who were the defending champions at the time, claimed a 3–2 victory in Quito. However, the return leg in São Paulo was far more comfortable for Palmeiras, who secured a 2–0 win. Those two encounters remain the only previous meetings between the sides.
LDU Quito’s current coach, Brazilian manager Tiago Nunes, enters this semi-final having already achieved something remarkable by guiding the Ecuadorian side to the last four of the Libertadores. Since taking charge on June 6th, 2025, he has overseen 23 matches, winning 12, drawing 6, and losing just 5, giving him a win rate of 52%.
Nunes is no stranger to continental glory, having led Athletico Paranaense to the Copa Sudamericana title in 2018.
LDU’s most recent encounters with Brazilian opposition in this year’s Copa Libertadores came in the knockout rounds, where they proved they could compete with and beat teams from the Brasileirão. In the Round of 16, they faced Tiago Nunes’s former club, Botafogo. After losing the first leg 1–0, LDU responded with a strong performance in the return leg, securing a 2–0 win to turn the tie around and progress.
In the quarter-finals, they met yet another Brazilian side, São Paulo. A dominant home display saw them take a 2–0 first-leg lead.
In the second leg at the Morumbi, LDU produced a disciplined and composed performance, extending their aggregate lead just before half-time. They then managed the game exceptionally well in the second half, sealing a 3–0 aggregate victory thanks to their defensive resilience.
However, against a juggernaut like Palmeiras, the challenge will be significantly tougher. LDU will need to defend in numbers, make the most of their home advantage, and remain organised away from home against one of the most complete sides in South America.
Since booking their Semi-Final place, LDU are unbeaten in four matches, which included a 3-0 win at the weekend against Barcelona SC.
Abel Ferreira is now in his fifth season at Palmeiras, a remarkable feat in South American football where managerial longevity is rare, especially in Brazil.
During his early years at the club, he enjoyed tremendous success, winning two Brasileirão titles and two Copa Libertadores trophies within his first two seasons. However, since lifting the league title in 2023, barring state titles, Palmeiras have not secured further national or continental silverware, increasing the pressure on Ferreira to deliver once again.
This season, though, there are signs that Palmeiras are rediscovering their rhythm. They currently sit at the top of the Brasileirão on games won (Brazil’s primary criteria), level on points with Flamengo. They do, however, come into this semi-final following a recent defeat to Flamengo, a result they will be eager to bounce back from.
In the previous round, Palmeiras faced River Plate and produced two strong performances to secure their place in the semi-finals. They began with a 2–1 victory away from home in the first leg, giving them both momentum and confidence ahead of the return match in São Paulo. Although River Plate took the lead in the second leg, Palmeiras responded well in the second half and ultimately secured a 3–1 win, sealing a 5–2 aggregate triumph.
Since reaching the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, Palmeiras have won four matches and lost twice.
Despite their recent setback against Flamengo, Palmeiras will enter this semi-final with confidence and belief that they can progress to the final. They come in as heavy favourites, a role they are very familiar with and one that has not intimidated them in the past. This is the same mentality that helped them win back-to-back Libertadores titles. For Abel Ferreira’s side, high-pressure knockout matches have become part of their identity. If they perform to their usual standards, they will fully expect to secure their place in another final.