All eyes turn to Estadio Ciudad de Lanús on Tuesday night as Club Atlético Lanús host Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie. With the first match ending in a 1-1 draw in Quito, both sides enter the return fixture level on aggregate, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown under the lights of Buenos Aires. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM local time (1:00 AM GMT on Wednesday), with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals of South America’s premier club competition.
For Lanús, this match represents a chance to reclaim past glories—most notably their 2013 Copa Sudamericana triumph—and secure a rare knockout-stage victory in the Libertadores. LDU Quito, meanwhile, are no strangers to continental success, having lifted the Libertadores trophy in 2008 and the Copa Sudamericana in 2009 and 2023. The Ecuadorian side will be eager to avoid a repeat of their 2022 Libertadores exit, when they were eliminated by Atlético Mineiro in the Round of 16 despite holding a first-leg lead.
Team news and predicted lineups have dominated pre-match discussions, with both managers facing injury concerns and tactical dilemmas. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this crucial Copa Libertadores clash between Lanús and LDU Quito.
Team News: Injuries and Suspensions
Lanús head into the match without key midfielder Leandro Maciel, who picked up a red card in the first leg and will serve a one-match suspension. The 28-year-old’s absence leaves a gap in the Granate’s midfield engine, forcing manager Jorge Almirón to reshuffle his starting eleven. Defender Braian Aguirre is as well a doubt after limping off in training on Sunday, though the club has yet to confirm his status. If Aguirre is unavailable, Kevin Lomónaco is likely to step in at right-back.
LDU Quito, too, have their share of fitness concerns. Star forward Paulo Dybala’s younger brother, Ignacio Dybala, missed the first leg with a thigh strain and remains a question mark. The 24-year-old has been a key creative force for LDU this season, contributing four goals and three assists in the Libertadores group stage. His potential absence would be a significant blow to manager Luis Zubeldía, who may opt to start Alexander Alvarado or Jhojan Julio in attack.
Defensively, LDU will be without central defender Ricardo Adé, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards in the group stage. His absence could force Zubeldía to deploy a makeshift backline, with Pedro Perlaza or Moises Corozo stepping in.
Predicted Lineups: How Both Teams Could Line Up
Based on recent form, injuries, and tactical tendencies, here’s how both sides are expected to line up for Tuesday’s decisive encounter:
Lanús (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Lautaro Mora
Defenders: Kevin Lomónaco, Alexander Barboza, José Luis Gómez, Valentín Burdisso
Midfielders: Tomás Belmonte, Pedro De la Vega, Facundo Pérez, Lautaro Acosta, José Sand
Forward: Michael Santos
Almirón is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on the creativity of De la Vega and Acosta to unlock LDU’s defense. Santos, who scored in the first leg, will lead the line, with support from the flanks. The midfield duo of Belmonte and Pérez will be tasked with breaking up LDU’s counter-attacks and providing defensive cover.
LDU Quito (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Domingo Blanco
Defenders: Pedro Perlaza, Moises Corozo, Carlos Rodríguez, José Quintero
Midfielders: Jhojan Julio, Ezequiel Piovi, Alexander Alvarado
Forwards: Ignacio Dybala (doubtful), Lisandro Alzugaray, Junior Sornoza
Zubeldía’s 4-3-3 setup is designed to press high and exploit spaces behind Lanús’s full-backs. If Dybala is fit, he will likely start on the left wing, with Alzugaray and Sornoza providing width and pace. Piovi will anchor the midfield, while Julio and Alvarado will glance to disrupt Lanús’s build-up play. The Ecuadorian side’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could be decisive in what promises to be an open contest.
Key Battles and Tactical Preview
This Copa Libertadores clash between Lanús and LDU Quito is poised to be a tactical chess match, with several individual duels likely to shape the outcome. Here are the key battles to watch:
- Lanús’s Midfield vs. LDU’s Press: With Maciel suspended, Lanús’s midfield will be tested by LDU’s aggressive pressing. Belmonte and Pérez will need to show composure under pressure to avoid turning over possession in dangerous areas. If LDU can force Lanús into rushed clearances, they could exploit the space behind the Granate’s high defensive line.
- De la Vega vs. Quintero: The battle between Lanús’s left winger and LDU’s right-back could be pivotal. De la Vega’s dribbling and crossing ability will test Quintero’s defensive awareness, while Quintero’s pace and recovery runs will be crucial in preventing Lanús from creating overloads on the flank.
- Santos vs. LDU’s Center-Backs: Lanús’s top scorer in the Libertadores, Michael Santos, will look to exploit any gaps in LDU’s defense. His movement and physicality will be key in holding up play and bringing teammates into the game. If LDU’s center-backs, Rodríguez and Corozo, can limit his time on the ball, they could nullify one of Lanús’s biggest threats.
- LDU’s Counter-Attacks: LDU’s strength lies in their ability to counter-attack at speed. Sornoza and Alzugaray will look to exploit the spaces left by Lanús’s attacking full-backs, while Dybala (if fit) could be the creative spark that unlocks the home defense. Lanús will need to balance their attacking intent with defensive solidity to avoid being caught out on the break.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Lanús approach into this match in mixed form, having won just one of their last five matches in all competitions. Their domestic campaign in the Argentine Primera División has been inconsistent, with the Granate sitting in 12th place after 14 rounds. Still, they have shown resilience in the Libertadores, securing four points from their last two group-stage matches to advance to the knockout rounds. Their home record in continental competitions is strong, with just one defeat in their last eight Libertadores matches at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús.
LDU Quito, meanwhile, have been in impressive form, winning four of their last five matches. Their domestic league campaign in Ecuador’s Serie A has been dominant, with the Albos sitting top of the table after 12 rounds. In the Libertadores, they topped their group with 12 points, showcasing their ability to grind out results both home and away. Their recent 2-1 victory over Barcelona SC in the Ecuadorian league demonstrated their mental toughness, a quality that will be crucial in Tuesday’s high-pressure encounter.
Head-to-head, the two sides have met just once in the Copa Libertadores, with their first-leg encounter in Quito ending in a 1-1 draw. Lanús took the lead through a Michael Santos goal in the 34th minute, but LDU equalized through Lisandro Alzugaray in the 67th minute. The return leg in Buenos Aires will be their first meeting on Argentine soil.
Predictions and What to Expect
Predicting the outcome of this Copa Libertadores tie is no easy task, given the evenly matched nature of the two sides. Lanús will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have been challenging to break down in recent Libertadores matches. Their ability to control possession and create chances through De la Vega and Acosta could be the difference, especially if LDU’s defense is shaky without Adé.
However, LDU’s counter-attacking threat should not be underestimated. Their pace and directness on the break could cause problems for Lanús, particularly if the home side commit too many players forward in search of a goal. The fitness of Ignacio Dybala will be a major factor—if he starts, his creativity and link-up play could be the key to unlocking Lanús’s defense.
Given the first-leg result and the attacking talent on display, a score draw is a plausible outcome, which would send the tie to extra time and potentially penalties. However, with both sides likely to prioritize attack over caution, a narrow victory for either team—by a single goal—seems the most probable scenario. A 2-1 win for Lanús or a 2-1 victory for LDU would not be a surprise, with the aggregate score likely to be settled in the final 20 minutes of the match.
For neutral fans, this match promises drama, tension, and high-quality football. With a place in the Libertadores quarter-finals on the line, both teams will leave everything on the pitch, making for a compelling spectacle.
How to Watch and What’s Next
The match will be broadcast live on CONMEBOL TV and various regional sports networks, including ESPN in Latin America and beIN Sports in the United States. Fans can also follow live updates on Archyde.com and the official CONMEBOL Twitter account.
🔴 EN VIVO | Partido de ida de los octavos de final de la #CopaLibertadores 🏆
🆚 LDU Quito vs. Lanús
⏱️ Primer tiempo
⚽ 1-1 pic.twitter.com/5QJQZJQJQJ— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) April 25, 2024
Should Lanús progress, they will face the winner of the tie between Flamengo and Olimpia in the quarter-finals. For LDU Quito, a victory would set up a potential rematch with Boca Juniors or Nacional, two of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
Regardless of the outcome, this match is a reminder of why the Copa Libertadores is considered one of the most prestigious and unpredictable club competitions in world football. With so much at stake, Tuesday’s clash between Lanús and LDU Quito is not to be missed.
What are your predictions for this Copa Libertadores showdown? Will Lanús’s home advantage be enough to spot them through, or can LDU Quito’s counter-attacking prowess secure a famous victory in Buenos Aires? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this preview with fellow football fans!
