Palmeiras have concluded their final preparations for Wednesday’s Conmebol Libertadores quarter-final second-leg match against LDU Quito at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado. The Brazilian side holds a crucial 1-0 advantage from the first leg, meaning they require only a draw to secure their place in the semi-finals of the prestigious South American club competition.
Team News and Potential Returns
In a significant boost for Palmeiras, three players who were previously doubts for the fixture — Joaquín Piquerez, Richard Mauricio, and Aníbal Sosa — all trained fully on Tuesday and could be available for selection, according to OneFootball. Defender Piquerez had been withdrawn from a recent match against São Paulo following a heavy ankle challenge. Midfielder Mauricio is recovering from knee tendinitis, while forward Sosa has overcome a left thigh injury. All three players participated throughout the training session held at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa. Of the trio, left-back Piquerez is considered to have the strongest chance of starting, with Mauricio and Sosa potentially providing additional options from the bench for head coach Abel Ferreira.
Match Details and Line-ups
The decisive encounter is scheduled for a 19:00 Brasília time kick-off. According to YSscores, Palmeiras is expected to set up in a 5-3-2 formation, led by Piquerez, under the management of Abel Ferreira. LDU de Quito, managed by Gustavo Álvarez, is anticipated to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, led by Ade. Palmeiras’ probable starting XI mentions Carlos Miguel, with Murilo, Barboza, and Bruno Fuchs listed. Lucas Evangelista is also in contention. Other players named include Giay, Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, and Piquerez, with Arthur an option, alongside Arias, Flaco López, and Vitor Roque.
The Conmebol Libertadores Stakes
The Conmebol Libertadores represents the pinnacle of South American club football, described by Disney Plus as “a true obsession for clubs across South America” where “the continent’s top stars and best teams go head to head in hopes of bringing home the trophy and eternal glory.” For Palmeiras, the stakes are clear: avoid defeat in Quito to progress to the semi-finals and continue their pursuit of continental glory.
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