LDU could still clinch 2027 Libertadores spot via Cup rule

Could LDU ride a rule quirk into the 2027 Libertadores? The buzz began when Independiente del Valle and Universidad Católica booked the Ecuador Cup final. LDU already secured a Libertadores berth through the LigaPro, while Católica still eyes a ticket by finishing among the top three nationally. Should both finalists qualify via the league, the cup slot would shift to Liga de Quito, which managed a draw and a loss against Católica—outperforming Delfín’s two defeats to IDV. The albos, however, must still see the regulations trigger in their favor. In my view, the loophole gives LDU a realistic shot.