Overview

• LDU beat São Paulo 2-0 in Quito and 1-0 at the Morumbi for a 3-0 aggregate in the quarterfinals.
• São Paulo created chances but lacked a cutting edge, with Luciano missing multiple clear opportunities and drawing boos and online mockery.
• Key attackers were unavailable through injury, including Oscar, Jonathan Calleri, André Silva and Nahuel Ferraresi, and the club entered the tie without a fit specialist No. 9 after not adding one in the last window.
• Analyses cited costly errors and coaching choices, noting Cédric Soares’ lapse in Quito despite pregame intestinal issues and Emiliano Rigoni’s turnover before the decisive goal in São Paulo.
• LDU moves on to face Palmeiras in the semifinals, while Hernán Crespo’s team turns fully to the league with requalification for continental play as the target.