LDU Quito defeats Palmeiras 3-0 to lead Libertadores semifinal

LDU Quito delivered a major upset in the Copa Libertadores semifinals, beating three-time champions Palmeiras 3-0 on Thursday night at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito to take a commanding lead into next week's return leg in São Paulo. All three goals came in the first half as the Ecuadorians capitalized on home altitude and early momentum.

Gabriel Villamil opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing from close range after several earlier chances for the hosts. A handball by Andreas Pereira in the 27th minute handed LDU a penalty, which veteran forward Lisandro Alzugaray converted. Villamil added a second in stoppage time before the interval with a swift counterattack that beat Palmeiras' substitute goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, giving LDU a 3-0 cushion.

The result was grounded in an intense opening 45 minutes for LDU, who matched their recent knockout form by producing clinical finishing and defensive discipline. Palmeiras improved after halftime and forced several saves from LDU keeper Alexander Domínguez, but could not break down the hosts, who will travel to Brazil with a substantial aggregate advantage.

Palmeiras were missing their first-choice goalkeeper Weverton...