At almost 11:00 p.m., in the midst of the rain, the Emelec team stayed on the field. Coach Miguel Rondelli’s team gathered to applaud the fans attending the match against Huracán, then left through the exit tunnel in the city of General Gómez. This time there was no scolding, insults or throwing of pizza boxes and other objects by the fans towards the coach at the end of the game.

The electric team needed a good burst of energy to revive themselves, not only in the Copa Sudamericana, but also in the Pro Series A league – in which they are in eleventh place with 6 points from a possible 18 – and what better way to do that than with their the public.

Good results are unattainable for Rondelli. In the South American Cup, they lost 2-0 in Montevideo to Danubi, and last Monday they were beaten 2-1 at their stadium by El Nacional in the national championship, with whom they have lost four consecutive games.

So beating the Huracán was more than an obligation. El Bombillo found salve in the rain and on the sodden ground. The blue bar cheered the team to the end regardless of the weather conditions and the time when Conmebol scheduled this commitment (21:00).

Emelec, last in Group B, added three points and moved up a step in the standings. Argentinian Caín Fara’s goal in the 16th minute refreshed the aspirations of the Blues.

“Unfortunately in the second half, I understand everyone’s impatience, it was impossible to play on the field; We played on Monday as well, which is another important physical wear and tear, on a muddy field… What stands out for the team is sacrifice. In the first half they played as much as they could, and in the second they struggled; and we did what we had to and tried to defend the result. I think the team fought today and I think it’s a fair win,” Rondelli said at the post-match press conference.

The Blue fans showed signs of impatience after the defeat to El Nacional last Monday. The fans verbally attacked the coaching staff as they walked through the tunnel towards the dressing rooms. It was the same with the team. There were throws with and without a shot; For this reason, the Disciplinary Commission of the Professional Football League of Ecuador sanctioned the institution with an economic fine and the suspension of the stadium for the next match in the national championship. This will be the eighth match against Independiente del Valle.

New excesses were caused by those present who settled on the high plateau of General Avenida Quito. Members of the National Police intervened to prevent major incidents.

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