Vinotinto F.C. 2-3 CD Universidad Católica: La “Chatoleí” survives Copa Ecuador scare in eight-goal thriller

CD Universidad Católica had to dig deep to avoid a major Copa Ecuador upset, edging past Vinotinto F.C. 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at the Estadio Olímpico de Tulcán. The visitors raced to an early lead, but the host side showed remarkable bravery to twice level the contest before a late winner sent the Quito-based side through to the next round.

Match overview

Copa Ecuador, 6 August 2026: The "Trencito Azul" looked in control early on, yet Vinotinto F.C. proved once again that lower-division opponents cannot be underestimated in this competition. A thumping atmosphere from the home supporters pushed the underdog to the limit, and for long stretches, the match hung in the balance.

The game began at a furious pace. Universidad Católica's quick passing carve open the Vinotinto backline, and forward Ismael Díaz produced a clinical finish to put the visitors ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour. The response from the hosts was immediate: a set-piece header from centre-back Joffre Escobar restored parity and sent the crowd into raptures.

Key moments

• 12' – Gol de visitante: Díaz received the ball on the edge of the box and curled a low shot into the far corner to give Católica the early lead.
• 19' – Respuesta local: Vinotinto equalised from a corner, Escobar towering above the defence to head in the equaliser.
• 38' – Católica ahead again: A swift counter-attack ended with Alex Perlaza slotting home, restoring the advantage for the capital side.
• 51' – Resistencia heroica: Vinotinto's captain and striker, Daniel Angulo, scored his second of the season with a fierce volley, making it 2-2.
• 77' – Winner: Substitute Hernán Lino met a cross at the far post to seal a tense, dramatic victory for Católica.

Tactical story

Vinotinto F.C. pressed high and used long balls into the channels to unsettle Católica's young central-defensive pairing. Meanwhile, the visitors shifted between a 4-2-3-1 in possession and a 4-4-2 mid-block when defending. Their tactical flexibility paid off, particularly during the second half, where they managed to regain control of the midfield with the introductions of Lino and experienced holding midfielder Jerry Parrales.

Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, aiming for another deep run in the Copa Ecuador, will be pleased with the resilience shown by his side after losing the lead twice, but the lapses in concentration during set-pieces and transitions are a concern ahead of the league campaign.

Standout players

For the winners, Ismael Díaz was unplayable in the first half, while Hernán Lino came on to score the decisive goal and provide a creative spark. Vinotinto's Daniel Angulo was the heart of the home side's effort, scoring a sensational equaliser and leading the line with intelligence and passion.

Season impact

The result sends CD Universidad Católica into the next phase of the Copa Ecuador, keeping alive their hopes of a first domestic cup title since their 2022 triumph. For Vinotinto F.C., the brave performance reflects their growing status as a proud provincial club, and they will now turn their focus to the Serie B promotion race already plotting another memorable cup journey next year.