2024-02-13 21:49:24
PRESEASON.-
In the final stretch of the preseason that the teams of the Liga Pro Ecuador 2024, Liga Deportiva Universitaria and Cumbayá faced each other in a friendly, which are essential for the coaches to obtain a diagnosis.
The match was played in the unconventional format of three game periods. Norberto Araujo, current technical director of Cumbayá and a glory of the white team, knew what it was like to face the team he loved, with which he conquered glory. The first 45 minutes showed a surprise in the performance of Felipe San Juan, the newly arrived goalkeeper from Cumbayá.
Despite the numerous opportunities created by the current champions, San Juan proved impenetrable, preventing the score from tipping in favor of the ‘U’. The second half brought with it a radical change in the development of the game. Both teams completely refreshed their lines, giving way to the participation of the starting players. It was in this period that Cumbayá managed to open the scoring in the 78th minute, thanks to a penalty converted into a goal by Melvin Díaz, after a handball from Charcopa. Errors were present in the match, and José Quintero could not control the ball, allowing Javier Ortiz to score 2-0 in favor of the visitor.
In the third half the ‘Albos’ managed to turn the score around. Johan Julio scored the first goal for those led by Alcácer, followed by an impeccable penalty converted into a goal by Michael Bermúdez, and finally, Joseph Espinoza scored the third goal that sealed the comeback. This match served as a test for both teams, especially for LDU, which is preparing to face the final of the Recopa Sudamericana against Fluminense. With four reinforcements incorporated so far, the ‘Albos’ seek to consolidate themselves as once again a candidate to win the first stage, considering that 80% of the squad that won the Sudamericana will defend the crown in the local championship.