HIGHLIGHTS. The Ecuadorian club won the Copa Sudamericana in a penalty shootout

During the nocturnal hours of today, the final match of the South American Cup took place, featuring the Brazilian squad, Fortaleza, and the Ecuadorian side, LDU Quito. The contest unfolded within the Uruguayan city of Maldonado at the "Domingo Burgueño" stadium.

In the first half, the teams remained goalless, each managing two attempts on goal, none of which found the target.

Upon entering the second half, the teams emerged with a clear resolve for victory. It took until the 49th minute for Juan Martín Lucero to connect with a delivery from Tomas Pochettino on the right flank, breaking the deadlock and putting his team ahead. However, the Fortaleza players couldn't relish their lead for long, as just eight minutes later, Mauricio Martinez launched a long pass from his own half to Lisandro Alzugaray. The Argentine, having outplayed two opposing players, entered the opponent's penalty area and elegantly struck the ball into the net.

Subsequently, both teams aggressively pressed forward during the second half, amassing a total of thirteen shots on goal, with six of them testing the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, the second half concluded with a level score.

In extra time, three substitutions were made by both teams, yet a victor remained elusive, necessitating a penalty shoot-out.

In the penalty shoot-out, each team executed six shots, with Fortaleza's final attempt being thwarted by the LDU Quito goalkeeper, securing victory for his team and the right to lift the South American Cup.

For LDU Quito, this marks their second South American Cup victory in history, with their initial triumph occurring in 2009.