Two flaws committed in the defense field cost Sao Paulo in the first match against LDU, in Quito 2,850 m, for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Directed by Brazilian Tiago Nunes, the Ecuadorian team took advantage of Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, won 2-0 and put themselves in a good advantage in the confrontation.
The return game is scheduled for next Thursday (19), at Morumbi stadium, in São Paulo. Hernán Crespo’s men need to win for at least three goals difference to move on without penalty shootout – just triumph for two goals and try to luck in the criminal brand shots.
To move forward, the São Paulo formation has to avoid the mistakes made in Quito. In the first goal, in the first half, there was enormous freedom for Allala to launch and Bryan Rodríguez to complete. In the second, in the final stage, a moment clumsy on the ball exit resulted in a place placed in the net by road.
São Paulo even started the match well, controlling possession of the ball in the initial moments, but lost strength and gave way to the opponent. In the first chance, at 15 minutes, LDU took advantage. Allala released long, and Cédric did not follow Bryan Rodríguez, who first hit Rafael’s exit.
The rest of the first half was dominated by home owners, with various danger situations and failure in the last pass. After the break, however, driven by midfielder Marcos Antônio, visitors grew a lot in search of a draw and had dangerous finishing with Luciano, Rigoni, Marcos Antônio and Ferreirinha-who replaced Rigoni.
It was the best moment of Sao Paulo, who missed the way out. Pablo Maia did not mastered from Ferraresi. Arboleda could not cut the pass from Azulgaray, and the ball offered to good road finish in the left corner of Rafael. From then on, both sides had clear chances. But the game ended in an uncomfortable 2-0 for the Brazilian club.
