Copa Ecuador – Match Report

San Antonio (ECU) 0–3 Sociedad Deportiva Aucas: Aucas Cruise into the Next Round

Defending Copa Ecuador finalists Sociedad Deportiva Aucas produced a commanding display on 22 May 2026 to defeat San Antonio 3–0 at the Estadio Olímpico de Riobamba. The victory booked Aucas’ place in the competition’s knockout phase and underlined their status as one of the tournament’s heavyweights.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Aucas asserted their dominance. Their relentless pressure forced San Antonio into defensive errors, and the visitors capitalised ruthlessly. The hosts, a side from the lower divisions, struggled to cope with the pace and technical quality of their top‑flight opponents. By the time the final whistle blew, there was no doubt about the deserved winner.

Key Moments

• 18′ – Goal Aucas: Winger Jefferson Montero cut inside from the left and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner.
• 41′ – Second goal: A well‑worked corner kick was headed home by centre‑back Luis Romero, doubling the lead.
• 66′ – Third goal: Forward Milton Macías collected a through ball, rounded the goalkeeper, and tapped into an empty net.
• 74′ – San Antonio red card: Home midfielder Carlos Oña was sent off for a reckless challenge, ending any faint hope of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Aucas set up in a 4‑3‑3 formation, flooding the midfield and pressing high up the pitch. San Antonio tried to sit deep and hit on the break, but they were constantly overrun in the middle third. The visitors’ full‑backs pushed high, creating overloads on the flanks, which led directly to the opening goal. After the red card, Aucas controlled possession with ease, rarely allowing San Antonio a sight of goal.

Standout Players

• Jefferson Montero (Aucas): A constant threat with his dribbling, scoring a superb opener.
• Luis Romero (Aucas): Solid defensively and a threat from set pieces.
• Milton Macías (Aucas): Clinical finishing and intelligent movement off the ball.

Season Impact

For Aucas, this comfortable win keeps their Copa Ecuador campaign alive and builds momentum ahead of their league fixtures. San Antonio, despite their elimination, earned plaudits for reaching this stage of the national cup, a testament to their progress as a club. The final scoreline reflected the gulf in class, but the underdogs left the pitch with heads held high.