Flamengo Faces LDU in Key Libertadores Match in Quito

QUITO, Ecuador — Flamengo is set to face LDU Quito in a crucial match on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7 PM local time in the third round of the Libertadores Group C. The match will take place at the Estadio Casa Blanca.

This game is pivotal for Flamengo. After losing to Central Córdoba in their last home match, the team is outside the qualifying zone for the knockout stage. Another defeat would leave them four points behind LDU and potentially further behind Central Córdoba, who will play against last-place Deportivo Táchira.

Flamengo head coach Filipe Luís has had a mixed run of form, recording two wins and a draw in their last three matches in the Brazilian league following the loss to Central Córdoba. The players aim to harness this momentum as they travel for the important Libertadores encounter.

LDU leads Group C with four points from two matches, having drawn with Central Córdoba and defeated Deportivo Táchira 2-0. The team is also performing well domestically, currently sitting in sixth place in the Ecuadorian league.

LDU’s coach, Pablo “Vitamina” Sánchez, has made several adjustments in recent games but is expected to revert to the lineup that has performed well in the Libertadores so far.

The expected lineup for LDU includes Gonzalo Valle; Daniel de la Cruz, Ricardo Adé, Gian Franco Allala, and Leonel Quiñónez; Carlos Gruezo, Gabriel Villamil, Alexander Alvarado, Bryan Ramírez; Lisandro Alzugaray and Álex Arce.

On the other side, Flamengo is dealing with several injuries. Alex Sandro is sidelined with a thigh edema, and both De la Cruz and Allan are not available due to precautionary measures against the altitude of Quito, which sits at 2,850 meters.

In place of Sandro, Ayrton Lucas might take his position, but coach Filipe Luís hinted he might also use Varela as a makeshift wing-back. The changes could affect the strategy as Flamengo looks to optimize their attack with Gerson shifting roles to stay competitive.

The expected Flamengo lineup features Rossi; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Gerson, Arrascaeta; Plata, Michael, and Bruno Henrique.

This match will be officiated by referee Derlis López from Paraguay, with Milciades Saldivar and Nadia Weiler as assistants. Fans can watch the game live on Disney+.

The significance of this match goes beyond standings; it’s about pride and reclaiming lost ground after their recent defeat. Flamengo has historically performed well against LDU but will need to bring their best to this challenging away fixture.