Valle's heroics send Liga de Quito into Copa Libertadores quarterfinals on penalties

Liga de Quito secured a dramatic spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, overcoming Mirassol in a tense penalty shootout. The Ecuadorian club won 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, following a 1-1 tie in the first leg in Brazil.

Goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle emerged as the undisputed star of the match. He not only made several vital saves during regular time to keep Liga de Quito in the game, including a critical stop in the final minute, but he also saved the first penalty in the shootout. This decisive save set the tone for Liga's perfect record from the spot, as all five of their penalty takers converted their shots.

The victory sets up a challenging quarterfinal clash against Palmeiras, a team that eliminated Liga de Quito in the semifinals of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. The path to the final remains arduous, but Liga de Quito's resilience and Valle's heroic performance have kept their continental dreams alive.

“

Liga de Quito se clasificó este jueves 20 de agosto a los cuartos de final de la Copa Libertadores 2026, tras vencer 5-4 a Mirassol en la tanda de penales luego del empate 0-0 en el estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado.