The roar of the Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar was deafening as Macará fought back from a first-half deficit to claim a vital 2–1 victory over Mushuc Runa in the LigaPro Serie A. The win, secured on a tense Wednesday night (15 July 2026), propelled the Ambato side into the top half of the league table and deepened the relegation concerns for the Ponchito.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Macará pressed high and attempted to impose their home advantage. Yet it was Mushuc Runa who struck first, catching the home defense napping with a swift counter-attack in the 23rd minute. The visitors’ goal came from a slick combination down the left flank, finished with a clinical low shot past goalkeeper Wilmer Zumba. However, the lead lasted only twelve minutes. Macará equalized through a powerful header from central defender Luis Ayala following a perfectly delivered corner kick. The teams went into the break level at 1–1.

The second half saw Macará dominate possession and create several clear chances. The winning goal arrived on the hour mark when Jhon Cifuente pounced on a defensive miscommunication. A hopeful long ball from midfield was mishandled by the Mushuc Runa center-backs, allowing Cifuente to nip in, round the goalkeeper, and slot home from a tight angle. Mushuc Runa pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, striking the crossbar through a free kick, but Macará held firm to secure all three points.

Key Moments

• 23’ Goal – Mushuc Runa: Jhon Santana finished a counter-attack with a composed finish after a through ball by Andrés Vinueza.
• 35’ Goal – Macará: Luis Ayala rises highest to head in a corner from David Noboa.
• 60’ Goal – Macará: Jhon Cifuente capitalizes on a defensive error, scoring the eventual winner.
• 78’ Missed chance: Mushuc Runa’s free kick hits the crossbar; Macará survive the scare.

Tactical Story

Macará lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the midfield through veteran playmaker Edison Preciado. Their high pressing early on created turnovers but left them vulnerable to direct balls over the top. The equalizer from a set-piece highlighted their strength in aerial duels. In contrast, Mushuc Runa’s 4-4-2 relied on quick transitions and the pace of Jhon Santana. After taking the lead, they dropped deeper, a decision that ultimately cost them as they invited pressure. The defensive lapse for the second goal showcased a lack of concentration that has plagued their season.

Standout Players

Jhon Cifuente (Macará) – The veteran striker’s movement and predatory instinct turned the game. His winning goal was a classic poacher’s finish.

Luis Ayala (Macará) – Solid at the back and decisive in attack with his headed equalizer. His aerial dominance limited Mushuc Runa’s set‑piece threat.

Jhon Santana (Mushuc Runa) – A constant menace on the counter, scoring the opener and nearly adding an assist. His pace caused Macará problems all night.

Season Impact

With this result, Macará climbed to seventh place in the LigaPro Serie A standings, now sitting on 28 points from 18 matches, firmly in the mid‑table mix for a potential Copa Sudamericana spot. The defeat leaves Mushuc Runa in 14th position with only 18 points, just three points above the relegation zone. The pressure continues to mount on manager Fabián Frías as his team has now lost four of their last five away games. Meanwhile, Macará manager Paúl Vélez will be pleased with his side's character to come from behind, a trait that could prove crucial in the race for continental qualification.