Sociedad Deportivo Quito vs. Gualaceo SC (Copa Ecuador)
April 24, 2026 | Final Score: 0–1

Match Summary

In a gritty Copa Ecuador Round of 16 clash, Gualaceo SC pulled off a narrow 1–0 away upset over Sociedad Deportivo Quito on April 24, 2026. The result sends Gualaceo into the quarterfinals, while SD Quito—despite dominating possession—were left to rue a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

First Half: SD Quito’s Dominance

SD Quito controlled the early proceedings, with their midfield trio of Luis Miguel Paredes, Emilio Santos, and Jorge Andrés Chacón dictating tempo. They registered several half-chances, most notably a 22nd-minute header from Juan Carlos Jaramillo that sailed just over the bar. Gualaceo, meanwhile, sat deep and looked to counter, but their attacking forays were sporadic and poorly executed in the first 45 minutes.

Second Half: The Breakthrough

After the break, SD Quito continued to press, but Gualaceo grew into the game. In the 67th minute, against the run of play, Gualaceo striker Kevin Alejandro Campaña pounced on a defensive error from SD Quito center-back Pedro Luis Silva. Campaña rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net, sending the away section into delirium.

SD Quito pushed desperately for an equalizer, bringing on fresh attackers and switching to a more direct style. However, Gualaceo's defense, led by goalkeeper Jhon Jairo López, held firm. López made three crucial saves in the final 15 minutes, including a spectacular one-handed stop from a Paredes free kick in the 85th minute.

Tactical Overview

SD Quito’s possession-heavy approach failed to break down a disciplined Gualaceo defensive block. The home side's lack of width in the final third allowed Gualaceo to congest the central areas. Gualaceo’s game plan was clear: absorb pressure and strike on the break. Their discipline in defense and clinical finishing in transition proved the difference.

Standout Performers

• Kevin Alejandro Campaña (Gualaceo): The match-winner with a calm finish under pressure.
• Jhon Jairo López (Gualaceo): Made several vital saves to preserve the clean sheet and the win.
• Luis Miguel Paredes (SD Quito): Worked tirelessly in midfield but couldn’t find the final pass or shot to unlock the defense.

What It Means

For Gualaceo SC, this victory marks a historic run in the Copa Ecuador, as the club reaches the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021. They will face the winner of the Barcelona SC vs. U. Católica tie in the next round. Sociedad Deportivo Quito must now refocus on their league campaign in Serie A, where they remain in contention for a top-four finish. The Cup exit is a bitter pill for a side that harbored ambitions of a deep run.