

Tecnico Universitario gave their fans a memorable afternoon at the Estadio Bellavista on August 29, 2026, storming to a dominant 3-1 victory over Deportivo Cuenca in LigaPro Serie A action. The Rodillo Rojo produced one of their most complete attacking displays of the campaign, combining high-pressing intensity with clinical finishing to leave the visitor from Cuenca chasing the game from an early stage.
Hosts seize control early in Ambato
Playing on home soil, Tecnico Universitario set the tone within the opening quarter of an hour, pressing Deportivo Cuenca high up the pitch and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when winger Kevin Mina latched onto a clever cutback on the right edge of the penalty area and swept a low, precise finish into the far corner. The early goal settled any nerves in Ambato and allowed the hosts to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the first half.
Cuenca struggled to build sustained spells of possession, often resorting to hopeful long balls that the Tecnico center-back pairing dealt with comfortably. By halftime, the only surprise was that the lead remained at just one, with the home side having created several additional chances on the counter.
Second-half drama and a decisive burst
Tecnico Universitario doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 52nd minute, midfielder Jairo Bonilla rose highest to meet a well-delivered corner, powering a header past the Cuenca goalkeeper from close range. The two-goal cushion gave the Red Roller complete control, but Deportivo Cuenca refused to fade quietly.
The visitors pulled a goal back in the 67th minute through veteran striker Bruno Duarte, who produced an instinctive finish after a cross from the left touchline slipped through two defenders. Suddenly, the momentum shifted, and Cuenca began to believe a comeback was possible. Tecnico goalkeeper Washington Vera answered the call with a vital save on 74 minutes, denying a stinging volley to keep the lead intact.
That save proved pivotal. Six minutes later, Tecnico wrapped up the points in style when Edison Carcelén raced clear of a retreating backline and calmly slotted home the third goal, sealing a 3-1 scoreline that reflected the home side's superiority over the 90 minutes.
Standout performers
- Kevin Mina – A constant menace on the wing, Mina opened the scoring and tormented the Cuenca full-back throughout the match with direct runs and intelligent positioning.
- Jairo Bonilla – Dominated midfield and added the second goal with a towering header, showcasing his ability to time his arrival in the opposition box.
- Washington Vera – Made the key save of the match when the score was 2-1, preserving a lead that could have shifted the result.
What the result means
The victory gives Tecnico Universitario a valuable three points and provides breathing room in the middle of the LigaPro Serie A standings, while also strengthening their home record at the Estadio Bellavista. Deportivo Cuenca, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a defeat that leaves them sliding down the table and needing points quickly in their upcoming home fixtures.
For neutral observers, this was a reminder that the Ecuadorian top flight remains fiercely competitive beyond the traditional title favorites—and that the Rodillo Rojo are more than capable of beating anyone when they hit their stride.