A thrilling encounter at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito outlast Always Ready 3-2 in a pulsating CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group-stage clash on May 27, 2026. The match featured end-to-end action, five goals, and a dramatic finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Match Summary

LDU Quito, playing at their high-altitude fortress, started with typical intensity. The Ecuadorian side pressed from the first minute and took an early lead through a well-struck volley from Jhojan Julio in the 12th minute. However, Always Ready, the Bolivian club known for their resilience away from home, responded immediately. A defensive lapse allowed midfielder Fernando Saucedo to equalize just three minutes later.

The first half continued at a relentless pace. LDU regained the lead in the 31st minute when striker Michael Estrada latched onto a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper. Before halftime, Always Ready struck again – a header from defender Carlos Añez made it 2-2, setting up a tense second half.

Second Half Drama and Decisive Goal

Both teams continued to attack after the break, knowing that three points were crucial for their respective qualification hopes. LDU Quito dominated possession but found it difficult to break down a compact Always Ready defense. The winning goal came in the 73rd minute from an unlikely source – center-back Ricardo Adé rose high from a corner to power a header into the net.

Always Ready pushed for a third equalizer but were denied by a combination of excellent goalkeeping from LDU’s Alexander Domínguez and a desperate goal-line clearance in stoppage time. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters.

Tactical Analysis and Key Stats

• Possession: LDU Quito 62% - 38% Always Ready
• Shots on target: 7 - 5 in favor of LDU
• Corners: 8 for LDU, 3 for Always Ready – a key factor in the winning goal.
• Yellow cards: Three for each side, reflecting the physical battle.

LDU’s 4-4-2 alignment allowed them to overload the midfield, with Luis Chicaiza pulling the strings. Always Ready relied on quick counter-attacks and set-pieces, a tactic that nearly earned them a point. Their inability to defend crosses proved costly, as both of LDU’s first-half goals and the winner came from wide deliveries.

Player of the Match

LDU’s Jhojan Julio earned the plaudits for his goal and tireless running, but it was defender Ricardo Adé who provided the match-winning moment. His aerial dominance not only led to the decisive goal but also helped neutralize Always Ready’s dangerous forwards.

Group Stage Impact

The win lifts LDU Quito to second place in Group B with seven points from four matches, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive. Always Ready remain at the bottom of the group with just three points, though they are still mathematically in contention. The result underscores the competitive nature of this year’s Libertadores group phase, where no match is straightforward.