Atletico Futbol Club edged out Gualaceo SC 2-1 in a fiercely contested Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B encounter on the night of 23 May 2026. The home side took three vital points in front of their supporters, climbing the second‑tier standings with a performance that combined defensive resilience and clinical finishing.

Match Overview

The Serie B fixture at Atletico’s home ground saw both teams enter the pitch with contrasting ambitions: Atletico Futbol Club looked to build momentum toward the promotion playoff places, while Gualaceo SC sought to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The match lived up to its billing, with the hosts striking first before withstanding a late Gualaceo rally.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Atletico break the deadlock: A swift counter‑attack caught the Gualaceo defence out of shape. Forward Jhon Cueva latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly past the visiting goalkeeper to make it 1‑0.
• 38th minute – Gualaceo equalise: A set‑piece goal from a corner kick brought the away side level. Defender Luis Preciado rose highest to head home, silencing the home crowd.
• 67th minute – The decisive strike: Atletico regained the lead through a well‑worked move. Midfielder Kevin Arroyo unleashed a low drive from the edge of the area that deflected past the despairing Gualaceo keeper, making it 2‑1.

Tactical Story

Atletico Futbol Club set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, relying on quick transitions and wide overloads. Gualaceo SC, in a 4‑3‑3, controlled possession for long stretches but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The home side’s disciplined defensive block limited clear‑cut chances for the visitors, who only managed four shots on target across the 90 minutes.

Standings Impact

The victory lifted Atletico Futbol Club to 5th place in the Serie B table with 31 points from 19 matches, keeping them within touching distance of the top four promotion spots. Gualaceo SC dropped to 8th, now only three points above the relegation places. The result also extended Atletico’s unbeaten home run to four games, a crucial factor in their push for Ascenso.

Player of the Match

Midfielder Kevin Arroyo not only scored the winner but also completed 89% of his passes and made three key interceptions. His energy in the engine room was instrumental in breaking Gualaceo’s rhythm.

With the season entering its decisive phase, Atletico Futbol Club will look to carry this momentum into their next away fixture, while Gualaceo SC must regroup quickly to avoid slipping deeper into trouble.