The 2025 Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana kicked off their quarterfinal phase this past week, and the biggest headline was two goals from 40-year-old Colombian striker Dayro Moreno. His brace put mid-table Colombian side Once Caldas in a leading position to reach the Copa Sudamericana semifinals over top Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. Moreno, who celebrated his 40th birthday just a day before the game, scored first off a corner with a brilliant strike, then glided down the field for a second goal, as IDV were playing a man down following a red card.
Dayro Moreno’s Ageless Goalscoring Magic
The top scorer for Colombia both domestically and across the continent, Moreno has 10 goals in the Sudamericana this season—four more than any other player in the competition—and leads all goal scorers in South American competitions in 2025. Moreno still has an outside shot at making Colombia’s 2026 World Cup roster as a substitute, and his late-career success has inspired a nation. Even rival fans seek photos with the player known not just for his scoring but also for his dancing and fiestas. Against Ecuadorian league leaders IDV, Dayro showed once again that there are “goals for the boys, and goals for the girls” when he’s on the pitch.
Lanus Leads Fluminense 1-0 After First Leg of Sudamericana Clash
While Once Caldas, Colombia’s last representative in a South American competition this season, took advantage of playing against 10 men and will host the second leg in Colombia with a 2-0 advantage, the remaining Sudamericana quarterfinals were closer.
Alianza Lima played out a scoreless draw against Universidad de Chile in Lima, they spent the last 30 minutes of the game with 10 men on the field after a red card. The Lima captain is 41-year-old Argentine Hernan Barcos, another South American football legend. Hosting in La Paz, Bolivar gave themselves a fighting chance against Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, drawing 2-2 with two second-half goals. Dominican Dorny Romero converted a late penalty to tie the game.
Damian Moreno gave Lanus, from Argentina, a 1-0 home win over Brazilian side Fluminense. The late goal was crucial before they travel to Brazil to play in a hostile environment.
Palmeiras Dictates Play Against River Plate in Libertadores Quarterfinals
In the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, all four matches were competitive. In Quito, LDU Quito’s 2-0 win over Sao Paulo makes them favorites to advance over the more expensive and famous Brazilian side. Sao Paulo will need a massive comeback at home, as they again struggled to score despite controlling more possession. LDU Quito, 2024 Ecuadorian League Champions and 2008 Copa Libertadores winners, have some international pedigree, though modest compared to Sao Paulo. They defeated defending Libertadores champions Botafogo in the previous round.
In an all-Argentine clash, Adrian Martinez scored the only goal as Racing Club defeated Velez Sarsfield 1-0 away. Martinez leads all Libertadores scorers, and hosting the second leg, Racing Club enters as favorites. They already won the Recopa Sudamericana this year and the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, marking a golden era.
Flamengo and Palmeiras represented Brazil strongly. Flamengo scored two goals in the first 10 minutes at home in Rio, thrilling the crowd. A late own goal gave Argentine side Estudiantes hope, ending the first leg 2-1, creating drama for the return leg in Argentina.
In the biggest quarterfinal matchup, Palmeiras went to Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and dominated River Plate at times in the first half. Paraguay’s Gustavo Gomez and Vitor Roque scored two first-half goals that stunned River Plate. Lucas Martinez Quarta scored a late goal to give River Plate hope, but the side remains inconsistent. Palmeiras has a clear edge heading into the September 24th return leg in Sao Paulo. Only one Argentine side may remain when the semifinals are set next week.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Javier Torres/Photosport
