CSD Huaquillas FC 0 – 1 Club Leones del Norte
Copa Ecuador – 30 May 2026

Club Leones del Norte claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CSD Huaquillas FC in their Copa Ecuador group-stage clash, a result that keeps the visitors’ knockout hopes alive while leaving the home side with work to do. The match, played under clear skies at the Estadio Municipal de Huaquillas, was decided by a single second-half strike.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the contest needing points to climb the standings in what has become a tightly contested group. Huaquillas, buoyed by their passionate home support, started brightly but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Leones del Norte, organised and patient, absorbed pressure and grew into the game as the first half progressed.

Key Moment

The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute. A swift counter-attack caught the Huaquillas defence out of position. Midfielder Andrés López slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to striker Jhonatan Vera, who calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing home goalkeeper. It was Vera’s third goal in the competition and proved to be the winner.

Tactical Story

Huaquillas dominated possession (62%) but struggled to break down a disciplined Leones del Norte backline. The visitors, content to sit deep and hit on the break, registered only three shots on target but made the decisive one count. Huaquillas’ best chance came late in the first half when a header from defender Carlos Benítez was tipped over the bar by Leones keeper David Mora.

Standout Performers

• Jhonatan Vera (Leones del Norte): The striker’s movement and composure under pressure decided the match.
• David Mora (Leones del Norte): Made several important saves, including a point-blank stop in the 78th minute.
• Luis Alvarado (Huaquillas): The home side’s most creative outlet, his set-piece deliveries caused constant problems.

Table Impact

The victory lifts Leones del Norte to fourth place in the group, now just two points off the qualification spots. Huaquillas remain in sixth, needing a positive result in their next match to keep their Copa Ecuador campaign alive. With three games remaining in the group phase, every point is precious.