Liga de Quito seeks revenge against Palmeiras at its weakest point of the season

Liga de Quito arrives in São Paulo with revenge on its mind, while Palmeiras enters the Copa Libertadores quarterfinal at what the report describes as its lowest point of the season.

Abel Ferreira’s team, one of South America’s strongest, has faltered in the Brazilian championship amid injuries, defensive lapses and a prolonged drought among its forwards. A scoreless draw away to Botafogo on Sunday cost Palmeiras the league lead. Flamengo now sits one point ahead with 12 rounds remaining.

The pressure on Ferreira is increasingly visible after nearly six years in charge of the first team. The 2025 season marked his first without major silverware, and another trophyless campaign could put his position at risk. Palmeiras remains alive in three competitions, however. It has reached the Brazilian Cup semifinals, remains in the league race and now faces the same Liga de Quito it eliminated in an epic Libertadores semifinal in 2025.

Ferreira must change his lineup because Paraguayan forward Ramón Sosa, attacker Paulinho and left-back Jefté remain injured. Midfielder Andreas Pereira will serve the second match of his suspension after his dismissal against Cerro Porteño. Colombian winger Jhon Arias is expected to play after returning to training normally on Monday.

Liga de Quito has no injured or suspended players. Coach Gustavo Álvarez is expected to field his strongest lineup after the Ecuadorian side beat Técnico Universitario 3-1 on Friday and secured a place in the final hexagonal of its domestic championship.

The Ecuadorians have not forgotten last year’s semifinal. Liga won the first leg 3-0 in Quito, but Palmeiras turned the tie around in São Paulo with goals from Sosa, Bruno Fuchs and two from Raphael Veiga. Palmeiras reached the continental final, where it later lost to Flamengo. This time, the order is reversed: São Paulo first, Quito second. Liga hopes the outcome will follow the same path.