Independiente del Valle pressured Flamengo throughout the first half of the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Libertadores, played in Quito, but couldn't transform their superiority into goals. The Ecuadorian team dominated the first half actions, creating the main dangerous opportunities.
The major problem for Del Valle was the injury of Paraguayan striker Charli González, current vice-top scorer of this edition of the continental tournament. The player fell on the pitch in stoppage time of the first half, showing discomfort in his left leg, and went directly to the bench.
At halftime, coach Joaquín Pepe was forced to substitute Charli with Djorkaeff Reasco. Junior Sornoza had even signaled for the substitution during the first half. Charli is the big standout of Del Valle's squad, with 16 goals in 27 games in the 2026 season.
In addition to being the vice-top scorer of the Libertadores with seven goals, Charli created the best chance of the first half by sending a shot off the crossbar of goalkeeper Rossi. He is behind only his compatriot Álex Arce, from Independiente Rivadavia, who has nine goals in the competition.
