QUITO, ECUADOR (AP) – Ecuador’s Liga de Quito once again defeated a Brazilian team in the Copa Libertadores, beating favorites Palmeiras 3-0 in the first leg of the tournament’s semifinals on Thursday.
All of the goals were scored in the first half, giving the hosts confidence they can maintain their advantage against Sao Paulo next week as they aim for their second South American title.
Ecuador, who eliminated Botafogo and São Paulo in the South American tournament, were the better team in the kickoff at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, located more than 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level.
Liga de Quito had already squandered several chances when Gabriel Villamil scored the first of two goals from close range in the 16th minute. Lisandro Alzugaray added a second goal from the penalty spot in the 27th minute following a handball by Andreas Pereira, denying Palmeiras’ substitute goalkeeper Carlos Miguel a chance. Weberton, a frequent starter, is injured.
Palmeiras improved their form and began to give work to La Liga goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, but on the counter just before half-time Villamil again found his way past Miguel to score the home side’s third goal.
La Liga have not played a Copa Libertadores final since 2008, when they won their first and only title at the Maracanã stadium after a penalty shootout against Fluminense.
Brazil’s Flamengo defeated Argentina’s Racing Club 1-0. The first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday. The second match will be played next week in Buenos Aires.
The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for November 29th in Lima.
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