San Antonio and AD Nueve de Octubre produced a thrilling 3-3 draw in Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B on 23 October 2026, a match that swung repeatedly and ended with the visitors completing a dramatic late comeback. San Antonio looked in control after building a two-goal cushion, but Nueve de Octubre refused to fold and salvaged a point with a stoppage-time equaliser.

Match overview: six goals and a late twist

The contest began at a high tempo, with San Antonio pressing aggressively and forcing Nueve de Octubre into early mistakes. The home side’s front-foot approach paid off inside the opening quarter of an hour, and when they added a second goal midway through the first half, the match appeared to be moving toward a comfortable San Antonio win. Nueve de Octubre, however, found a response before the break and changed the mood of the game.

The second half was a different story. San Antonio restored their two-goal advantage early in the period, but Nueve de Octubre’s substitutions and a more direct approach turned the final half-hour into a relentless pursuit. Two late goals, the last arriving deep into stoppage time, completed a remarkable comeback.

Key moments

• 7th minute: San Antonio took the lead after a high press forced a turnover and the ball was worked into the box for a close-range finish.
• 24th minute: San Antonio doubled their advantage from a corner, with a powerful header beating the goalkeeper at the near post.
• 41st minute: Nueve de Octubre pulled one back through a low shot from the edge of the area after San Antonio failed to clear.
• 55th minute: San Antonio made it 3-1, finishing a quick break with a composed strike past the advancing goalkeeper.
• 68th minute: Nueve de Octubre reduced the deficit again, converting a cross from the left with a firm header.
• 90+3rd minute: Nueve de Octubre equalised in the final moments, scrambling the ball over the line after a long throw caused chaos in the San Antonio box.

Tactical story: pressing, set pieces and the power of substitutions

San Antonio’s early dominance was built on aggressive pressing and quick ball recovery in midfield. Their first two goals came from exactly that recipe: pressure high up the pitch, then a decisive final action. When they scored their third, it seemed their direct running had finally broken Nueve de Octubre’s resistance.

But Nueve de Octubre’s response was impressive. They moved the ball forward more quickly after the break, abandoned some of their early caution and began to target the space behind San Antonio’s full-backs. The introductions from the bench added fresh energy in wide areas, and the switch to a more direct style made San Antonio defend longer sequences under pressure. The late equaliser was no accident: Nueve de Octubre had been building momentum for more than twenty minutes.

Standout performers

San Antonio’s left winger was a constant threat in the first half, combining pace with intelligent movement inside. He was involved in the opening goal and repeatedly stretched Nueve de Octubre’s back line. San Antonio’s central midfielder also impressed with his range of passing and ability to break lines.

For Nueve de Octubre, the second-half substitute who drove the comeback was the game’s most impactful player. His direct running and delivery from wide areas gave San Antonio problems they never fully solved. The centre-forward also deserved credit for occupying both centre-backs and scoring the goal that started the revival.

What the draw means in the Serie B table

Both teams will take something from the performance, even if the result feels different in each camp. San Antonio will be frustrated to have surrendered a two-goal lead twice, especially after scoring three at home. Their attacking output was strong, but the defensive lapses that allowed Nueve de Octubre back into the game could prove costly in a tight promotion race.

Nueve de Octubre, by contrast, will see the point as evidence of their character. A draw away from home after trailing 3-1 is a positive result in most Serie B contexts, and the manner of the comeback could give the squad confidence for the next round of fixtures. In a crowded Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B table, such late goals can be worth much more than a single point.