Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo shared a humorous anecdote about Palmeiras’ stunning 4-0 victory over LDU Quito in the Copa Libertadores semi-final — a result that cost him a dinner with teammate Andrey Santos.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, the Ecuadorian player revealed he had been certain LDU would qualify for the final. Relying on the well-known competitive spirit of Ecuadorian teams, Caicedo believed the 3-0 lead from the first leg was untouchable. Confident in his countrymen, he made a friendly wager with Santos, who was convinced Palmeiras could stage a comeback.
“I bet a dinner with Andrey Santos! I said it was impossible for LDU to lose in Brazil against Palmeiras,” Caicedo said.
The Chelsea midfielder admitted that he did not stay up for the late-night match, expecting to wake up to news of an LDU victory. However, the morning brought a very different result. Palmeiras, under Abel Ferreira, delivered a dominant performance at Allianz Parque, scoring four unanswered goals to reach the final.
“When I woke up and saw 4-0… I couldn’t believe it!” he confessed.
Despite being disappointed for his nation’s team, Caicedo praised the quality and competitiveness of Ecuadorian football and acknowledged Palmeiras’ strength and resilience in South American competition.
Caicedo’s lighthearted story reveals how football surprises even the most confident fans, turning a sure bet into a lesson in humility and sportsmanship.