Keeping an eye on the rival: LDU wins in the last match before facing Flamengo in the Libertadores

LDU beat Aucas , Mengão 's executioner in the 2023 Libertadores , 3-1 this Friday (18), in a duel valid for the 8th round of the Ecuadorian Championship . The match was held at the Casa Blanca Stadium , in Quito , and served as the team's last test before facing Flamengo , next Tuesday (22), for the main continental competition .

Even with a significantly changed team, LDU built the result in the first half . With ample possession and an offensive presence, starters Villamil and Ramírez scored the goals that opened the scoring for the home team.

Aucas managed to reduce the deficit at the beginning of the second half and pressed for an equalizer. However, in the 40th minute of the second half, Michael Estrada sealed the victory . Another standout was striker Arce, who provided two assists in the match.

LDU SAVES SEVEN STARTING PLAYERS BEFORE FACING FLAMENGO

Of the players considered starters, only right-back Quinteros , midfielder Villamil and forwards Arce and Ramírez started the match. Coach Pablo Andrés Sánchez rested seven players who had been starting in the first two rounds of the Libertadores, including goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle, who was replaced by Alexander Domínguez.

The defense also saw changes : the central defensive duo of Ricardo Adé and Allala started on the bench, as did left-back Quiñónez. They were replaced by Aimar , Mina and Enrique , respectively. In midfield, Gruezo , Alvarado and Alzugaray also did not play.

LDU AND FLAMENGO FACE EACH OTHER ON TUESDAY IN THE LIBERTADORES

With three days of preparation, LDU is now fully focused on the match against Flamengo , in the 3rd round of the Libertadores group stage. The game will be held next Tuesday (22), at 7 pm (Brasília time), again in Quito — at an altitude of 2,830 meters.

FLAMENGO'S SCENARIO IN THE LIBERTADORES

After a surprising defeat to Central Córdoba at Maracanã , Flamengo will travel to Ecuador needing to earn points to avoid complications in the group. If LDU and Central Córdoba win this round, the Red-Blacks would finish the round four points behind their two opponents — a scenario that would force the team to win the three remaining games to advance without depending on other results.

A draw could leave Flamengo in a more comfortable position, depending on the result of Central x Táchira . A victory in Quito would guarantee the Rio de Janeiro team at least second place in the group at the end of the round.