AD Nueve de Octubre Stuns CD El Nacional 3-1 in Ecuadorian Serie B Thriller

Match Overview

AD Nueve de Octubre produced a dominant display to defeat CD El Nacional 3-1 in the Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B on May 18, 2026. The match at the Estadio Alejandro Ponce Noble saw the home side outplay their more historically decorated opponents, delivering a statement victory in front of a lively crowd. Nueve de Octubre’s aggressive pressing and clinical finishing were the difference on the night.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Nueve de Octubre took the lead when winger Jhonny Vera cut inside from the right and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner.
• 35th minute – El Nacional equalized against the run of play through a well-taken free kick by Mario Rizotto, who bent the ball over the wall and into the net.
• 54th minute – Nueve de Octubre regained the advantage when striker Luis Bolaños pounced on a defensive error to slot home from close range.
• 78th minute – Substitute Kevin Mina sealed the win with a powerful header from a corner kick, making it 3-1.

Tactical Story

Nueve de Octubre employed a high-pressing 4-3-3 system that unsettled El Nacional from the first whistle. The visitors, who usually rely on possession, were forced into long balls and turnovers. El Nacional’s midfield trio struggled to impose themselves, and their defensive line was repeatedly caught out of position. Nueve de Octubre’s energy and movement off the ball proved too much for the visitors to handle.

Standout Performers

• Jhonny Vera (AD Nueve de Octubre) – Scored the opener and was a constant menace on the flank.
• Kevin Mina (AD Nueve de Octubre) – Came off the bench to score a decisive third goal.
• Mario Rizotto (CD El Nacional) – Scored the visitors’ only goal with a superb free kick.

Season Impact

The victory lifted Nueve de Octubre into fourth place in the Ecuadorian Serie B table, strengthening their promotion push. El Nacional, who were hoping to close the gap on the leaders, remain in sixth place. Nueve de Octubre will face Manta FC next, while El Nacional return home to host Chacaritas.