Matchweek #1 Roundup
The LigaPro 2021 got off to a turbulent start, but the matchweek had some contested games with many goals and diverse styles.
Universidad Católica 3 - Olmedo 0 (Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito)
After a couple of months of wait, LigaPro action was set to resume on Friday between Universidad Católica and Olmedo. An hour before kick-off, information started to seep through that Olmedo de Riobamba were going to forfeit their match as they were unable to field their team.
The broadcasting team was at the stadium and we were quickly able to learn that Olmedo was at the ground but were unable to field a team as their players had not been registered by the LigaPro authorities. In a tricky situation, the commentating team did a wonderful job in providing information related to the developing story.
After Universidad Católica waited for 40 minutes in the pitch in order to comply with regulations, the referees left the pitch and the match was declared a forfeit. As such, the Little Blue Train, collected the 3 points and 3 goals without playing and propelled them to the top of the table before their match against Liverpool in Uruguay for the Libertadores First Round.
Liga Deportiva Universitaria 4 - 9 de Octubre 2 (Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, Quito)
Liga Deportiva Universitaria were able to collect 3 points in this week’s match of the week. The Whites started the match off with some difficulty, as 9 de Octubre held a very organized shape and implemented a high-press; however, they were able to go 2-0 in front thanks to a Brace by Adolfo Muñoz.
After the break, LDU came out strongly and looked for a third goal. 9 de Octubre’s solid defensive shape was being dragged out by the constant switching of the field proposed by Pablo Repetto’s men. Nevertheless, 9 de Octubre were able to hit back and thanks to a goal and an assist by Mauro da Luz, leveled the match back at 2-2.
Their hard work and momentum would come crashing down a minute after they equalized thanks to a deflected goal by last year’s top goal scorer Cristian Martínez Borja. During the latter stage of the match, 9 de Octubre went surging to find an equalizer and pushed their lines forward. This allowed substitute, Joseph Espinoza to provide a wonderful assist to Johan Julio which sealed the 3 points for the team from Quito.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Adolfo Muñoz
As this was the match of the week, there will be a full match report available during the week.
Mushuc Runa 1- Aucas 3 (Estadio Mushuc Runa Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito, Echaleche)
Aucas visited Mushuc Runa to try and collect the first 3 points of the season. Meanwhile, Mushuc Runa was trying to establish Echaleche as their stronghold in their bid for survival this season.
Overall, the match was highly contested in midfield, where a very attacking-minded Aucas attempted to break down the strong defensive midfield proposed by Mushuc Runa. Aucas were able to take the lead at the 20th minute thanks to a headed finish by striker Fydriszewski after a headed assist by his striking partner Roberto Ordoñez. 0-1
After the deadlock was broken, Mushuc Runa began to see much more of the ball and began to find space in between Stiven Tapiero and the rest of the midfield line, who struggled to keep their width and struggled to recover balls in the middle of the pitch. Mushuc Runa were able to create some half-chances that went wide in the first half. Meanwhile, Aucas lost possession of the ball, but looked dangerous whenever Víctor Figueroa had the ball at his feet.
During the first 20 minutes of the second-half, Mushuc Runa had their best spell of the game. Their quick defensive-attacking transitions were causing even more problems to an unbalanced Aucas midfield line, and in the 56th minute, Mosquera provided a long assist to Palomeque who calmly slotted it past Frascarelli to equalise. 1-1
At that point it appeared that Mushuc Runa had the momentum to go on and win the match. That was not what Víctor Figueroa had in mind, he provided a well-placed pass into the path of former Mushuc Runa player Ignacio Herrera who controlled the ball well with his right foot inside the opposition’s area and unleashed a well-placed rocket into the upper left-hand corner of the net. 1-2
Mushuc Runa kept control of possession after conceding, but were unable to create enough chances to bring the match level. During stoppage time, as Aucas tried to wind down the clock, once again Víctor Figueroa was able to pick a pass onto an unrunning Johnny Quiñonez who controlled in the opposition’s penalty box and delivered a low cross in the direction of Roberto Ordoñez. In his desperation to clear the ball, Mushuc Runa’s Marco Carrasco deflected the ball into his own net. 1-3
MAN OF THE MATCH: Víctor Figueroa
Guayaquil City 3 - Macará 1 (Estadio Christian Benítez, Guayaquil)
A strengthened Guayquil City made easy work of Macará in their debut in Guayaquil. The team managed by Pool Gavilanez began the first half strongly. Their possession-based football was evident for all to see, with Manu Balda and Fernando Gaibor entrusted with the progressing the ball into their two fast-wide players.
City were able to go into half-time 2-0 thanks to goals by RB William Vargas and RW Ángelo Quiñonez.
During the second half, Eduardo Favaro brought on Segundo Portocarrero. Macará looked much improved during the second half, where they were able to dominate possession and force Macará to attack through the middle of the pitch. This allowed Muriel Orlando to have 4 clear chances in front of goal which he was unable to convert.
Macará looked for a goal that would shorten the score line, but in the 88th minute after a counterattack, Abel Casquete ran down the touchline and produced an assist to Parrales who scored Guayaquil City’s third of the afternoon.
During stoppage time, Macará were able to score a late consolation goal from the penalty spot in what would prove to be the final action of the match.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Manuel Balda
Manta FC 2 - Barcelona S.C. 3 (Estadio Jocay, Manta)
Newly promoted Manta FC wanted to start off the season on the front-foot. The task seemed difficult against the reigning champions Barcelona SC. However, Manta SC came out firing and in the 11th minute after a recovery by Ángel Ledesma in the center of the pitch, he was able to filter a pass into the path of José Angulo who finished expertly passed Burrai. 1-0
Barcelona tried to convert their dominance in possession to dominance in the pitch, but the quality in the final third was lacking and Manta FC looked dangerous in their counterattack with José Angulo. In the 28th minute, Castillo brought down Alaníz in the penalty area. The striker converted the penalty with a Panenka, and the first shock result of the season seemed to be in order. 2-0
The second-half started as the first-half ended. Barcelona still dominated possession, but they didn’t seem to cause any real danger in the final third. In the 64th minute, Barcelona were awarded a dangerous foul in crossing distance. Second-half substitute Gabriel Cortéz had other ideas, unleashing a powerful shot that beat Hamilton Piedra on the front post. 2-1
Barcelona continued to hold the ball but they needed an 82nd minute goal to equalize the match. Gabriel Cortéz delivered in a perfect free-kick into the area, William Riveros beat his man and rose up high to head the ball past Hamilton Piedra. 2-2
Manta FC were clearly shell-shocked and were unable to get a hold of the ball. Their defenders were struggling as their midfield didn’t provide any type of protection. In the 86th minute Adonis Preciado, who had replaced Damián Diaz in the 66th minute, went on a mazy run. Manta’s defense didn’t put in a single challenged and he stepped into the area before crossing the ball back into the area. Matías Oyola latched on to the ball and produced a weak right-footed shot that was bobbled in front of Hamilton Piedra who attempted to collect the effort but was only able to divert it into his own net. 2-3
The comeback was finished as wild celebrations ensued from the Barcelona players on the pitch and from Bustos who hilariously cupped his ears in the direction of an empty stand.
Argentine manager, Fabián Frías, attempted to respond with two attacking substitutions, but it was far too late. Barcelona produced an excellent comeback from a difficult match where their decision-making in the final third was not at the level that should be expected from the quality players in their squad.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Gabriel Cortéz
Orense S.C. 2 - Independiente del Valle 0 (Estadio 9 de Mayo, Machala)
Orense S.C. wanted to start their season like they ended last one, by being a physically dominant team whose fitness levels and defensive solidity allowed them to stay up in the top-flight.
There first match was in their stadium against South America’s favorite new team Independiente del Valle. After Manta F.C. threatened to shock reigning champions, Orense S.C. were actually able to produce the first shocking result of the season.
The team from Machala set out with a 4-4-2 while IDV presented a 4-3-3. During the first half, the match started out as expected, Independiente took control of possession of the game as they looked to threaten Rolando Silva’s goal. In spite of having the bulk of possession, IDV were unable to find space between lines and they didn’t have many (if any) clear chances. The midfield duo, Sebastián Assis and Edison Caicedo closed down every loose ball, and the two wide-midfielders provided defensive support which meant that IDV’s attacking players had to make hurried decisions under numerical inferiority. In the 43rd minute, Orense’s midfield recovered the ball in midfield and with a quick transition sent Joel Pissano free against a disorganized IDV defensive block. He then provided a pinpoint cross that was finished well by Murialdo to open up the scoring. 1-0
After half-time, the match started off in the same way. Independiente hoarded possession without being threatening and Orense being solid in their defensive block and comfortable without the ball in possession. As the minutes went by, Independiente were looking much more threatening against a tiring Orense midfield. After soaking up a bit of pressure and with a couple of missed attempts by the team from Sangolquí, Orense managed to get a second wind. In the 73rd minute, after an absolutely brilliant recovery by Assis Orense quickly transitioned into attack and after a poor punched clearance by Moisés Ramírez, Wilmer Godoy was able to slot it past the keeper on the rebound. 2-0
The match was over by then, and an ineffective IDV were unable to score a consolation goal, while Orense earned the first clean-sheet of the season.
The result will delight Orense while perhaps slightly alarm the former Copa Sudamericana Champions.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sebastián Assis
Técnico Universitario 0 - Delfín SC 1 (Estadio Bellavista, Ambato)
The match in Ambato gave us the duel between two teams that want to achieve stability in the LigaPro. Técnico Universitario with their manager José Hernández are trying to build on their positive year, while Delfín with Paúl Vélez are trying to rebuild and find stability with a new manager.
The first-half got underway with both teams trying to be solid in attack. This meant that the bulk of the action happened in the middle of the pitch. Técnico Universitario were granted possession, while Paúl Vélez implemented his classic counterattacking football.
In the 16th minute, a counter-attack by Delfín sent Vieyra free and he produced a fantastic cross which was met by Alma in the far cross, however his diving header was unable to beat Walter Chávez who produced a smart save with his outstretched arms. Shortly after, Alman was once again sent through on goal, after a mistake from Santa Cruz, however he managed to recover and produced a last-ditch block to deny Alman.
In the 32nd a blistering shot by Marcos Mejía which was turned behind the post by a diving Padilla and there were no other attempts in a game that went to the break level.
The second half, Técnico Universitario began to threaten in set-pieces. A 47th minute corner kick was met by Alexis Sánchez and it went just wide of the goal defended by Padilla. Both teams kept on fighting for control of the midfield, and slowly they launched attacks as both sets of players tired from the physical nature of the game.
In the 75th minute, Chávez produced a wonderful save after Burbano was free from defense and in front of the area and Técnico Universitario were able to clear. Immediately after, Delfín recovered the ball and launched one of the classic Paúl Vélez’ counter-attacks with Hernández who produced a low-cross that was turned into the back of the net by second-half substitute JJ Cifuentes. 0-1
Técnico Universitario went looking for an equalizer and in the 81st minute, Henry Patta delivered a perfect corner that was met by Eddie Guevara, his effort hit the post and was cleared off the line by Charles Vélez.
Delfín surrendered possession and defended with a deep defensive line, as Técnico Universitario were unable to find an equalizer. Paúl Vélez will be pleased by the way in which his new players have responded to his style of play. While Técnico Universitario will need to improve their attacking play to be safe from relegation this season.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jhon Cifuentes
CS Emelec - Deportivo Cuenca (Estadio Banco del Pacífico: Capwell, Guayaquil)
After their resurgence in the latter part of the 2020 season, Emelec was trying to carry over their good form into the 2021 season. Deportivo Cuenca on their side were trying to build upon their miraculous safety last season.
Emelec began the match with a high intensity. In the 2nd minute, Romario Caicedo was freed on the wing and produced a cross/shot that beat Brian Heras’ outstretched hand and hit the far post. Deportivo Cuenca were struggling to get a hold of posession, as Emelec surged forward looking for an opener.
In the 12th minute, the lively Caicedo won a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Ángel Gracias took a shot that stung Brian Heras’ hands as he parried it out for a corner kick.
Emelec were clearly dominating the match, but in the 19th minute a clever one-two played between Dorregaray and Chicaiza sent the striker through on goal, his strong shot attempted to beat Pedro Ortiz’ in his near post, but the keeper was able to get a strong hand on it to save it.
A minute later, Joao Quiñonez made an absolute howler after a hopeful long ball by Romario Caicedo, which allowed José Cevallos Jr. to burst into the area and play a pass back to the unrushing Joao Rojas who produced a sliding finish that beat Brian Heras to score the first goal in a very entertaining match. 1-0
In the 22nd minute, Facundo Barceló looked to be brought down in the penalty area after a defender tripped him. The appeals were waved away by the referee who failed to see the stonewall penalty.
The game was relentless, Andrés Chicaiza won a free-kick after a clever flick over the defender. Arce took the free-kick from far out and the shot was tipped over the crossbar by Pedro Ortiz.
In the 29th minute, Deportivo Cuenca once again drew a foul in the middle of the pitch. Arce produced a lovely cross into the semi-circle where Eric Tovo beat everyone to produce an unstoppable, bullet header that beat Pedro Ortiz’ oustreched arms to bring the team from Cuenca back level. 1-1
The teams dialed down the intensity and Emelec dominated possession while Deportivo Cuenca defended smartly and pressured a nervous Emelec defense. In the 39th minute, Sebastián Rodríguez unleashed a vicious shot which was saved by Heras.
A couple minutes later, Leguizamón rose highest after an outswinging corner delivered by Ángel Gracia and he produced a textbook header into the bottom corner that Heras was unable to stop. 2-1
After a hectic 45 first minutes, the teams came back on the pitch, and the action began immediately. Another defensive mistake by Deportiva Cuenca mean that Ángel Gracia was able to latch on to a long-pass, he crossed perfectly and Facundo Barceló flicked the ball with his heel past Brian Heras in the front post. 3-1
After the third goal, there was only one team on the pitch. Emelec moved the ball around smartly and dominated possession. They constantly looked to add a fourth goal while Deportivo Cuenca had half-chances to cut back the deficit, ultimately the players dropped the intensity.
During the 80th minute, an off the ball aggression meant substitute Alejandro Cabeza was sent off.
In the 88th minute, Tovo made a mistake in his clearance which was short and it was collected by Dixon Arroyo who filtered in a great pass that was very well controlled by Alexis Zapata who took a low shot past Heras to lift Emelec up to first in the Table after Matchweek 1. 4-1
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sebastián Rodríguez