Liga de Quito celebrates 18 years since historic Libertadores title

Ecuadorian football is celebrating a historic milestone as Liga de Quito marks 18 years since its triumphant 2008 Copa Libertadores conquest. This victory remains the sole occasion an Ecuadorian club has lifted South America's most coveted football trophy, forever altering the landscape of national football.

The team, managed by Edgardo Bauza, achieved this feat by defeating Fluminense in a dramatic final at the Maracanã stadium. This triumph paved the way for Ecuadorian football to begin competing on equal footing with the continent's traditional powerhouses. The memory of this achievement remains vivid for the club's supporters.

In commemoration, Liga de Quito, as is tradition, shared an emotional message on social media, stating, "Unforgettable. The Eternal Glory is not forgotten, we carry it always on our shield." This anniversary also marks the beginning of the "Fan Month," an annual tradition honoring the club's greatest achievement. The club unveiled a special red commemorative jersey, inspired by the 2008 campaign. The design features a five-pointed crown above the shield, replacing the usual international stars, and revives the iconic slogan from that season: "Va por ti, Ecuador."

The journey to glory began in Group 8, where Liga de Quito faced Fluminense, Arsenal, and Libertad. Under Bauza's guidance, the team secured second place with 10 points, notably remaining undefeated against Fluminense in the group stage. The knockout phase presented a formidable challenge against Estudiantes de la Plata. Liga de Quito secured a 2-0 victory at home, and despite a 2-1 loss in Argentina, advanced with a 3-2 aggregate score.

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Unforgettable. The Eternal Glory is not forgotten, we carry it always on our shield.