LDU Quito 3–2 Always Ready | Copa Libertadores | 26 May 2026

Result Summary

A dramatic evening at LDU Quito's fortress ended in a pulsating 3–2 victory for the Ecuadorian hosts. Deyverson Brum Silva Acosta proved the decisive figure, coming off the bench to score twice in the final thirteen minutes and overturn a deficit that had threatened to derail LDU's Continental ambitions. It was a match of two contrasting halves — Always Ready's dominance early in the second period giving way to a stunning LDU Quito comeback engineered through smart substitutions by coach Tiago Retzalff Nunes.

Match Analysis

LDU Quito made the brighter start, with Yerlin Josué Quiñónez Nazareno capitalising on a sharp assist from Fernando Cornejo to fire home a right-footed opener in the 7th minute. The early lead, however, masked the vulnerability that would surface as the game developed.

Always Ready, guided by Marcelo Straccia, refused to capitulate. Enrique Luis Triverio levelled in the 18th minute, converting a fine delivery from Fernando Saucedo, before the Bolivian side took the lead just before half-time when Fernando Nava Ortega headed home — again assisted by the impressive Saucedo — to make it 2–1 at the break.

The statistics paint an interesting picture. Despite LDU holding 53% possession and completing passes at an 81% success rate, Always Ready created more danger in certain phases, registering 23 total shots and 11 corners compared to LDU's 4. Always Ready's 11 shots on target also exceeded LDU's 7, underlining how the Bolivian side genuinely threatened to hold their lead deep into the contest.

The turning point came with the substitutions. Deyverson Brum Silva Acosta, introduced at half-time in place of José Quintero, transformed the LDU attack. In the 77th minute, he latched onto an assist from Jesús Pretell to equalise with a composed left-footed finish. Then, in the 89th minute, a second left-footed strike — this time fed by substitute Janner Corozo — sealed a remarkable comeback. Deyverson's yellow card in the 90th minute reflected the tension of the closing stages, though it did nothing to diminish his impact. A VAR check involving Gabriel Alejandro Villamíl Cortéz at the 75th minute had added to the drama, arriving just moments before the equaliser.

Carlitos Rodriguez received a booking for Always Ready in the 60th minute, and Saucedo's withdrawal in the 84th minute effectively neutralised their most influential creator at a critical juncture.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast called for a 1–0 LDU Quito victory with a 69% probability of a home win and a confidence rating of 67/100. While the scoreline exceeded our predicted margin, the outcome itself was correct — LDU Quito did secure the win. The forecast correctly identified the home side's advantage, though the 3–2 thriller underscored that Always Ready were far more competitive than the 12% away-win probability might have suggested. Credit to Straccia's side for making this a genuine contest.

Key Takeaways

• Deyverson Brum Silva Acosta was the undisputed match-winner with two crucial late goals from the bench.
• Fernando Saucedo was Always Ready's standout performer, directly assisting both of their goals before being substituted late on.
• LDU's half-time tactical adjustments by Retzalff Nunes proved pivotal, turning a losing position into a victory.
• Always Ready's strong underlying numbers — more shots, more corners, more attacks — suggest they remain a dangerous Copa Libertadores opponent despite the defeat.