Estrada's late goal rescues draw for Liga de Quito against Mirassol in Libertadores

Liga de Quito salvaged a 1-1 draw against Mirassol in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores round of 16 tie, with Michael Estrada scoring a late equalizer. The match, played in Brazil, was marked by defensive errors and missed opportunities from both sides.

Mirassol, a surprise in the group stage, took an early lead in the 15th minute through Eduardo after a defensive lapse from Liga de Quito. However, the Ecuadorian side, despite controlling possession for much of the first half and creating chances, could not find the net before halftime. Estrada himself hit the crossbar in first-half stoppage time.

The second half saw Mirassol regain some of their earlier intensity, creating several dangerous chances. Yet, it was Liga de Quito who found the crucial away goal. In the 82nd minute, Estrada redeemed himself for earlier misses by finishing a play that originated from a loose ball, leveling the score and setting up a tense second leg.

The return match will be held next Thursday in Quito, where Liga de Quito will have the advantage of playing at altitude. The result leaves the tie perfectly poised for a decisive second leg.