- Head-to-head: Palmeiras have won the last 2 head-to-head meetings in the Copa Libertadores Playoffs 2026, most recently a 1-0 home victory earlier today.
- LDU form: LDU Quito are 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats in their last 5 matches (W2 D1 L2).
- Palmeiras form: Palmeiras are unbeaten in their last 5 games (W2 D3).
Palmeiras to prove their mettle again
Palmeiras drew 0-0 away at Botafogo RJ in their most recent away game, which was followed by their 1-0 victory over LDU Quito at home in the first leg of this two-legged Copa Libertadores Playoffs 2026 tie.
Abel Ferreira's Palmeiras are still unbeaten in this year's edition of the competition but their run of 5 games across all competitions has seen the Verdao play in a cagey manner. They've won 2 and drawn 3 of their previous 5 games, which makes them a solid, albeit not invincible team to face.
LDU Quito are coming off a 0-0 draw at home with Mushuc Runa, an away 3-1 win over Tecnico Universitario and, most recently, their 1-0 loss to Palmeiras. It's a solid but erratic run of results (W2 D1 L2) for the hosts in this second leg and they'll want to be compact and fluid in transition on Wednesday.
Head-to-head record and recent form suggests Palmeiras could edge this one
While LDU Quito have been a decent proposition at home this season, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1 of their 5 games there in all competitions, Palmeiras are the marginal favourites at 2.7, with the hosts at 2.62 and the draw at 3.15.
With Palmeiras yet to slip up in this competition and holding a one-goal advantage, backing them to edge this game looks a smart play in a tight market. LDU Quito can make things tough for their guests in Quito, but Palmeiras have the quality to grind out a result.
This should be a close game
Alba's Michael Estrada has scored 1 goal in 3 Copa Libertadores Playoffs 2026 appearances, while Palmeiras' Agustin Giay has scored 1 in 2. However, Jose Lopez has netted 2 in Palmeiras' last 5 games and he looks to have found his goal-scoring groove in Sao Paulo.
Tiago Nunes has been LDU Quito boss since 6 June 2025 and his side are a compact, transition-based unit. Palmeiras are more shape-fluid and will try to be patient in possession while looking to smother opponents when out of the ball. The contrast between LDU's game plan and Palmeiras' structure should ensure this is a chess game with few clear chances.
- LDU Quito have scored an average of 1.60 goals per game at home and conceded an average of 1.20 in their 5 home games this season.
- Palmeiras have conceded just 4 goals in their 5 away matches across all competitions.
- This has all the hallmarks of an even game and an Under 2.5 goals selection at 1.55 along with a Both Teams to Score – No at 1.73 could be the best way to go.
