All three goals came in a dazzling first half that left the Ecuadorian side in full control of the tie and brimming with confidence ahead of next week’s return leg in São Paulo. The victory puts Liga within reach of their second Copa Libertadores title, the first since their historic 2008 triumph.
Playing at an altitude of more than 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), Liga de Quito took early command, creating several chances before finally breaking through in the 16th minute when Gabriel Villamil slotted home from close range.
Just over ten minutes later, Lisandro Alzugaray doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Palmeiras midfielder Andreas Pereira was penalized for a handball inside the box. Substitute goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, filling in for the injured Weverton, could do little to stop the precise effort.
Palmeiras began to settle and forced several saves from Liga goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez, but the hosts struck again on the counter in stoppage time, with Villamil completing his brace to give Liga a commanding three-goal cushion at halftime.
Despite a more balanced second half, Palmeiras failed to find an away goal and now face a steep uphill battle in next week’s decisive leg at the Allianz Parque in São Paulo.
Liga de Quito’s last appearance in a Copa Libertadores final came in 2008, when they defeated Fluminense on penalties at the Maracanã to lift their first continental crown.
In the other semifinal, Flamengo hold a slender advantage after defeating Argentina’s Racing Club 1–0 on Wednesday. The return leg will be played next week in Buenos Aires.
The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for November 29 in Lima, Peru, where Liga de Quito now stand just 90 minutes away from returning to South America’s biggest stage.