Independiente del Valle lost surprisingly 2-3 to Liga de Quito this Sunday, but kept the possibility of winning the first stage of the Pro Serie A league, after the 4-1 defeat suffered by their companions, Barcelona SC, in their visit to El Nacional for the twelfth compound.

Despite the defeat, the ‘Negriazula’ kept a five-point advantage over the yellow box, continuing with 28 points.

Barcelona SC missed a chance to reduce Independiente’s lead as they were beaten by El Nacional with goals from Jonnier Chalá, Madison Julio, Byron Palacios and Jorge Ordóñez. The discount was from the Argentinian Francisco Fydriszewski.

Meanwhile, defending champions Aucas lost 2-0 at home to Deportivo Cuenza, who missed several more chances to extend their lead, in a superb performance by the team led by Argentine Carlos Ischia.

Midfielder David Noboa and defender Marco Andrés López converted the goals for Cuenca, who moved away from the bottom of the table with 15 points.

For their part, Aucas, led by Venezuelan coach César Farías, not only lost the game, but also lost two players to suspension, Ronaldo Perlaza and Erick Castillo.

The defeat ended any possibility of the popular eastern team continuing their quest to win the first stage, they were left with 21 points, against the 28 leaders of the tournament, Independiente del Valle.

Orense and Delfín won and also collected 21 points, which will boost hopes of reaching the Copa Libertadores or Sudamericana in 2024.

Orense beat Cumbaya 1-0 with a goal from Richard Calderón, and Delfín beat Gualaceo 1-0 with a goal from Nixon Molina.

Libertad and Universidad Católica drew 2-2 in a match full of emotions. Católica took the lead through Arón Rodríguez, Daniel Porozo equalised, and Renny Jaramillo’s goal that gave Libertad victory was not enough as Argentina’s Mauro Díaz converted the finish.

Técnico Universitario took a big step in their bid to escape from the bottom of the table, defeating the bottom of the tournament, Mushuc Runa, 1-0 with a goal from Luis Estupiñán.

The result prevented Emelec from falling into the last box despite the fact that they are already in the direct relegation zone at this point.

The twelfth term of the first phase ends on Monday, with a match between Emelec and Guayaquil City at the George Capwell Stadium.

(D)