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🇪🇨 Ecuador /Sports

Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle carry Ecuador's hopes in Copa Libertadores round of 16

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle are Ecuador's last remaining representatives in the Copa Libertadores.
  • Both teams will play their first-leg matches away from home in the round of 16.
  • Ecuador's hope for the continental title now rests solely on these two clubs.

The Copa Libertadores is entering its decisive phase, with Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle emerging as Ecuador's sole representatives in the round of 16 following a break for the 2026 World Cup.

Independiente del Valle, led by coach Joaquín Papa, secured their spot by topping Group H with 13 points. They are set to face Deportes Tolima in Colombia on Tuesday, August 11, aiming for a positive away result before returning to Ecuador for the second leg.

Liga de Quito, known as 'El Rey de Copas,' also finished as group leaders in Group G with 12 points. They will play against Brazilian side Mirassol, a surprise contender, on Thursday, August 13. This match is a rematch of a group stage encounter where Liga de Quito had previously defeated Mirassol.

With the elimination of Barcelona SC and other Ecuadorian clubs, the hopes of the nation now rest on Liga de Quito and Independiente del Valle. Liga de Quito, the 2008 champions, seeks its second title, while Independiente del Valle aims for its first continental trophy after being runners-up in 2016. The round of 16 matches are scheduled from August 11 to August 13.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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