Macará beat Católica às Posse strengthens Libertadores push

Macará left Chillo Jijón with the points after Franco Posse settled a tense afternoon against Universidad Católica. His first-half finish secured a 1-0 victory on Sunday, October 11, strengthening the visitors’ grip on second place.

However, the hosts had their chance to change the story. José Fajardo struck the crossbar from the penalty spot, leaving Guillermo Sanguinetti’s side to protect a valuable away win.

Star Us on Google Search

Posse punishes a defensive lapse

Católica hosted the second round hexagonal fixture at Banco Guayaquil Stadium, with both clubs chasing qualification for next year’s continental competition. Only three points separated them before kick-off, giving the meeting extra weight.

Diego Martínez’s team saw more of the ball, but the visitors found a direct route through. In the 34th minute, Agustín Campana chested down a long pass and supplied Posse inside the area.

GOLAZO del viejo y querido 🩵 Pase largo para el pecho de Campana y asistencia para Posse, quien definió a placer para el 0-1 de @Macara_Oficial ante Universidad Católica. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 https://t.co/PQIkOKRAoA
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) October 11, 2026

The Uruguayan finished calmly to claim his 13th league goal of the campaign. That combination gave the home defence little time to recover after losing track of the attackers.

Meanwhile, Sanguinetti had another reminder of his forwards’ understanding following their contributions against Aucas in the previous round. Campana provided the link, while Posse supplied the finish.

Fajardo misses the chance to level

After the break, Fajardo joined the attack and almost immediately had an opportunity from twelve yards. A handball following Byron Palacios’s shot brought a penalty for the hosts.

However, Fajardo’s 48th-minute effort crashed against the bar and bounced onto the line without crossing it. The chance disappeared, and Católica still needed a goal.

Although the miss kept the visitors ahead, the pressure continued. Martínez later introduced Azarías Londoño as his side searched for more presence inside the box.

Late chances keep both sides on edge

At the other end, Johan Lara kept the contest alive by stopping Posse’s close range backheel in the 71st minute. The opening showed why Católica could not commit everyone forward. Then came another setback for the hosts when an offside decision ruled out their apparent equaliser.

Meanwhile, Martín Tello had a clear opportunity to put the result beyond reach around the 80th minute. His shot struck the crossbar, ensuring the visitors faced an anxious finish.

Macará hold second as the chase tightens

Victory lifted the Ambato side to 57 points, six ahead of Católica. Later, Liga de Quito beat Barcelona 2–1 to move third on 52, pushing Martínez’s team into fourth.

As a result, Macará finished the round five points clear of their nearest challenger. Independiente del Valle remained well ahead on 77.

Católica face a demanding response in Guayaquil

Martínez now has consecutive defeats to address at the start of this LigaPro phase. His players created openings, but neither possession nor extra attacking personnel brought a goal.

Next comes a trip to Barcelona, while the Ambato club hosts Independiente del Valle. Both fixtures fall on Sunday, October 18.

The minute your betstar77 register setup is wrapped up and you log in through your betstar77 login, you take total charge of the whole experience. Let’s be honest, though diving into picks without a hard stop is a fast track to regret. Take a quick breather to settle on a non-negotiable budget cap before you stake a single dollar.