Club Deportivo Universidad Católica, often referred to as "Los Cruzados," is a major force in Ecuador's LigaPro Serie A. Based in Quito, the club is a traditional rival of LDU and shares the city's footballing passion. Their home is the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, one of the nation's most famous venues. Founded in 1963, the club has a distinct identity with its blue and white colors. While their trophy haul may not match their city rivals' international success, Universidad Católica has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at the top of the domestic league. A key era for the club involved consistent top-four finishes and deep runs in continental competitions, establishing them as a respected name. The modern era sees them as a competitive side, often challenging for Copa Sudamericana qualification and aiming to disrupt the dominance of the traditional giants. The team's culture is defined by a loyal fanbase and a strong sense of institutional pride, always striving to bring glory to the capital.