Copa Libertadores Femenina. Ecuador’s two clubs are still looking for a first win at the Copa Libertadores Femenina, which is being played in Quito and Sangolquí until October 31. Independiente del Valle drew 1-1 with Belgrano and Liga de Quito lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro on matchday 1.
Dragonas held by debutants Belgrano
Independiente del Valle, the Ecuadorian champions, opened Group B on Thursday, October 15 at Estadio Banco Guayaquil. Belgrano, playing their first official international game, went ahead in the 23rd minute when Alaides Paz finished a pass from Raquel Polich. Karen Páez equalized from the penalty spot before half-time.
IDV had 16 shots and 2.3 expected goals but could not find a winner, according to CONMEBOL’s match data. Belgrano finished with ten players after Nicolle Amaya was sent off for a second yellow card late on. CONMEBOL noted the draw stretched IDV’s unbeaten run in the group stage to five games (three wins, two draws), the best by an Ecuadorian team.
Liga de Quito beaten at home
Liga de Quito, last season’s runners-up, lost their Group C opener 2-1 to Cruzeiro on Friday, October 16 at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado. Gisseli put the Brazilians ahead in the 10th minute and defender Justine Cuadra equalized from a rebound in the 35th. Byanca Brasil scored the winner in the 64th minute.
LDU had 59% of the ball and outshot Cruzeiro 23 to 15, but goalkeeper Camila Rodrigues made several saves, including a one-on-one in stoppage time, CONMEBOL reported.
The tables and what comes next
In Group B, Palmeiras lead with 3 points after beating Universitario 1-0. IDV and Belgrano have 1 each. In Group C, Cruzeiro have 3, Bolívar and Olimpia 1 each after a 2-2 draw, and LDU none. The top two in each group reach the quarterfinals, and from there every round is a single game.
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Oct 18 | 8:00 PM | Independiente del Valle vs Universitario | Banco Guayaquil |
| Mon, Oct 19 | 8:00 PM | Liga de Quito vs Olimpia | Rodrigo Paz Delgado |
| Wed, Oct 21 | 8:00 PM | Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras | Banco Guayaquil |
| Thu, Oct 22 | 8:00 PM | Liga de Quito vs Bolívar | Rodrigo Paz Delgado |
Kickoffs are 7:00 PM in Ecuador, one hour behind ET, according to El Comercio.
Leave a Reply