Deportivo Mixco edged Aurora F.C. 3-2 in a pulsating Guatemala Liga Nacional encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Mixco, with a late goal from Kevin Ruiz sealing a dramatic victory. The home side twice led, were pegged back, and then found a moment of magic in the closing stages to claim three crucial points in their push for a playoff place.

Match Overview

Mixco started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute when Jonathan Mena pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and slotted it past the goalkeeper. The striker doubled his tally in the 33rd minute, rising highest to head home a corner from the right. Aurora, who had shown glimpses on the counter, pulled one back just before halftime through Esteban García, who finished calmly after a swift break.

Early in the second half, Aurora equalized. Marvin Ávila collected the ball 25 yards from goal, took a touch, and unleashed a powerful shot that found the bottom corner. The visitors sensed a winner, but Mixco defended resolutely and then struck late. In the 87th minute, Kevin Ruiz received a pass on the edge of the area, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and fired into the net to send the home crowd into raptures.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Mixco 1-0: Mena reacts quickest to a loose ball in the box.
• 33’ – Mixco 2-0: Mena heads home a corner for his second.
• 45+1’ – Mixco 2-1: García pulls one back for Aurora on the counter.
• 52’ – Mixco 2-2: Ávila equalizes with a long-range strike.
• 87’ – Mixco 3-2: Ruiz curls in a late winner for the hosts.

Tactical Story

Mixco set up in a 4-4-2 and looked to get the ball wide early, delivering crosses for Mena and their supporting forwards. Aurora responded by pressing higher after halftime, which forced Mixco into several turnovers and led to their equalizer. However, the home side’s decision to drop their defensive line deeper in the final 20 minutes limited Aurora’s space in behind, and that patience paid off when Ruiz found the decisive goal from a half-chance.

Standout Players

Jonathan Mena was the standout for Mixco, scoring twice and leading the line with physicality and intelligent movement. Kevin Ruiz made the difference off the bench with a composed finish. For Aurora, Esteban García and Marvin Ávila were the most threatening players, and their goals briefly looked like they might earn a valuable away point.

Table and Season Impact

The win lifts Deportivo Mixco into the playoff positions in the Guatemala Liga Nacional, giving them momentum as the season progresses. Aurora remain in mid-table, close enough to the top six but still searching for consistency. Mixco will now look to build on this result in their next fixture, while Aurora must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind in the race for the postseason.