LDU Quito, the reigning champions of Ecuador, faced a major blow in their bid to win the Copa Sudamericana, the second-tier club competition in South America, when their star winger Renato Ibarra had to leave the field due to an injury in the first half of the final against Fortaleza of Brazil.
Ibarra, who is also a regular member of the Ecuador national team, was one of the key players for LDU Quito in their impressive run to the final, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 10 matches. He was expected to be a threat to the Fortaleza defense with his pace and dribbling skills, but he could not continue after 28 minutes of play.
He was replaced by Lisandro Alzugaray, who scored the equalizer for LDU Quito in the 45th minute, after Fortaleza had taken the lead through David in the 19th minute. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and went into extra time.
Fortaleza edge past LDU Quito on penalties to lift their first international trophy
The extra time was a tense affair, with both teams having chances to score the winner, but neither could find the back of the net. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Fortaleza prevailed 4-3, thanks to two saves by their goalkeeper Felipe Alves.
Fortaleza, who had finished sixth in the Brazilian league last season, lifted their first international trophy in their history, and became the fourth Brazilian team to win the Copa Sudamericana, after Internacional, Sao Paulo and Chapecoense.
LDU Quito, on the other hand, missed the opportunity to add another continental title to their collection, after having won the Copa Libertadores (the top-tier club competition in South America) in 2008, and the Copa Sudamericana in 2009 and 2019.
Renato Ibarra’s injury adds to Ecuador’s woes ahead of World Cup qualifiers
The injury to Renato Ibarra is not only a setback for LDU Quito, but also for Ecuador’s national team, who are preparing for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in November. Ecuador are currently third in the South American qualifying table, with 15 points from eight matches, behind Brazil and Argentina.
Ibarra is one of the most experienced players in Ecuador’s squad, with 49 caps and four goals. He plays as a right winger or a right-back for his country, and provides versatility and quality to their attack and defense. His absence could be a big blow for Ecuador’s chances of qualifying for their fourth World Cup.
Ecuador will face Venezuela and Chile in November, two teams that are below them in the table, but could pose a challenge. Ecuador will hope that Ibarra can recover soon and join them for their final four matches in March 2024.
