Emelec vs Leones del Norte 3-1: Comeback in Ibarra

Emelec vs Leones del Norte turned on a chaotic spell in Ibarra. Trailing 1-0, the Guayaquil side struck twice within two minutes and won 3-1 at the Olímpico stadium.

As a result, Emelec stay in the race for the 2027 Copa Sudamericana. However, they still trail leaders Libertad by seven points. It came on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the Ecuabet League’s second-stage group. Emelec arrived in Ibarra needing points, and left with three.

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Emelec vs Leones del Norte: Result and Match Context

Emelec won 3-1 at the Olímpico on matchday three of the second stage group. Moreover, the stakes were high, since the table offers a route to continental football.

Emelec travelled from the coast to the northern highlands. Therefore, a road win carried extra value. For many coastal sides, that trip is a real test. Leones del Norte, meanwhile, wanted home points to stay in touch. Both teams fought hard in midfield during the first half. Then Martín Caramuto put Leones ahead in the 57th minute. He finished an attacking move with precision.

El local dice presente!!! 🦁 Caramuto sacó un remate que se metió en el arco de Pedro Ortiz y @LeonesFC_Ec le gana 1-0 a Emelec. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 https://t.co/aC7CAdEJJN
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) October 18, 2026

VAR Penalty Hands Emelec a Lifeline

Despite the deficit, Emelec reacted immediately and attacked with more intent. Five minutes after Caramuto’s goal, VAR awarded a penalty to the visitors.

Carrillo y el empate 🎽 El delantero de @CSEmelec se hizo cargo de la falta penal y definió para el 1-1 ante Leones FC. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 https://t.co/nbfsG9cyir
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) October 18, 2026

Ronie Carrillo took responsibility and converted in the 62nd minute. As a result, the Ronie Carrillo penalty restored parity. From that point, Emelec pressed into rival territory. Leones, however, still looked to widen the gap.

Ruiz Completes the Comeback in Minutes

More than 500 Emelec fans were still celebrating in Ibarra. Moments later, Juan Pablo Ruiz made it 2-1. Therefore, Emelec flipped the match in barely two minutes.

Remontada del Bombiiiiiii!!! 💡 Ruiz Gómez acompañó la jugada y le quedó para rematar de derecha. Ahora @CSEmelec lo gana 1-2. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim https://t.co/OQoSGVWCZi
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) October 18, 2026

After taking the lead, Emelec sat back in an organised block. That approach kept the midfield tight and protected the advantage.

Timeline, Score Summary and Consequences

Here is how Emelec 3-1 Leones unfolded. Caramuto scored in the 57th minute, and Carrillo equalised from the spot in the 62nd. Ruiz then put Emelec ahead straight away.

In stoppage time, David Saya sealed the win with the third goal. That Emelec comeback gave the Eléctricos three valuable away points.

AZUL ES EL COLOR 💙 Saya se hizo espacio y metió un R2 para colocarla en una esquina. @CSEmelec lo gana 1-3 en el tiempo añadido. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 https://t.co/CHte1ZU1N1
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) October 18, 2026

Consequently, Emelec reached 43 points, yet they remain seven behind leaders Libertad in the LigaPro standings. Leones stay on 40 points after the defeat. Libertad led the group with 50 points. Guayaquil City sit just above Emelec.

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