Independiente del Valle struck almost immediately and never surrendered the lead in a tense Quito it. Independiente del Valle vs Liga de Quito finished 2-0 after Juan Riquelme Angulo scored after only 35 seconds.
Meanwhile, Ronald Briones sealed the match in stoppage time after Liga pushed hard throughout the second half. As a result, IDV reached 61 points and strengthened its grip on first place in LigaPro 2026.
Independiente del Valle vs Liga de Quito: IDV Strikes After 35 Seconds
Juan Riquelme Angulo punished Liga de Quito before the match had settled into any rhythm. John Espinoza intercepted José Carabalí’s poor pass and quickly pushed the move forward.
Carlos González then connected with Ronald Briones, drove the attack through the middle. Briones found Angulo, and the 18-year-old controlled the ball before finishing firmly with his right foot
The assistant initially ruled the goal offside. However, VAR reviewed the play and validated the strike, giving IDV a 1-0 lead. The decision changed the mood inside Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda almost instantly. Angulo’s goal also became one of the fastest strikes recorded in the 2026 league season.
Despiértate que ya gana IDV 👀
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) August 8, 2026
Ni se cumplía el minuto de juego y Juan Riquelme Angulo puso el 1-0 para @IDV_EC vs. @LDU_Oficial 🔥#LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 pic.twitter.com/S4dVhwZtMe
Angulo Builds a Strong First-Team Case
The finish also underlined why Angulo has become one of IDV’s most watched young attackers. He now has six goals across the season, including five in the national championship.
His first LigaPro campaign already includes consistent minutes, goals and growing responsibility. The Esmeraldas born forward had previously joined Ecuador senior camps as a sparring player.
As a result, his progress now attracts attention beyond Sangolquí and in the wider La Tri conversation. At just 18, his timing, acceleration and calm finishing already look unusually mature.
🔥⚽️ UN NUEVO GOLEADOR 🔥⚽️
— KCH RADIO 90.9FM (@kchradio) August 8, 2026
Joaquín Papa destacó el crecimiento y la evolución de Juan Riquelme Angulo en Independiente del Valle 🖤💙🫵🏻
El estratega uruguayo 🇺🇾 valoró la humildad y madurez del atacante, señalando que su predisposición para aprender de sus compañeros lo… pic.twitter.com/uCQRPBGTgf
Liga Responds, but VAR Denies Estrada
Liga de Quito gradually recovered and found space during an open first half. After 15 minutes, Michael Estrada threatened from distance, while IDV continued attacking space behind the back line.
In the 36th minute, referee Bryan Loayza reviewed a possible penalty involving Ricardo Adé. However, Loayza decided that the contact did not justify a spot kick.
Six minutes later, Estrada produced Liga’s strongest first half response and appeared to equalize. However, officials ruled out the goal after detecting a handball during the buildup. As a result, IDV carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Una metidita de mano 👋🏻
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) August 8, 2026
Iba a ser un golazo de Michael Estrada, pero tocó la pelota con la mano y el gol no suma al marcador. #LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 pic.twitter.com/NB2VbD8yJV
LigaPro 2026 leaders survive pressure and strike late
Liga Controls the Second Half
Liga controlled possession after the break and forced Independiente del Valle deeper than usual. Meanwhile, IDV struggled to recover the ball and spent long spells defending around its own penalty area.
That pressure created shooting opportunities, although Liga’s finishing repeatedly lacked precision. At 49 minutes, Gonzalo Valle produced a strong save to deny Matías Perelló and keep Liga alive.
Liga searches for a late equalizer
Deyverson later shot wide, while Sebastián González saw another attempt deflected. Moreover, Jesús Pretell nearly changed the match at 90+1 with a powerful effort from distance.
Aldair Quintana touched the strike before it crashed against the crossbar. However, Liga’s final push left defensive space behind its exhausted shape.
Briones punished Liga in stoppage time
Briones had already influenced Angulo’s opener, but his biggest moment arrived at the end. Gonzalo Valle moved away from his goal while Liga chased the equalizer.
Briones recognized the space and lifted an audacious finish over the exposed goalkeeper. The 90+4 goal made it 2-0 and ended any remaining uncertainty.
Moreover, Briones’ performance captured IDV’s night perfectly disciplined without the ball and ruthless when space appeared. His late strike also rewarded a team that survived its most uncomfortable phase without losing structure.
De entrada y de salida ⚽️✌️
— Zapping Ecuador (@zapping_ecu) August 8, 2026
En un contragolpe letal, Ronald Briones liquida el duelo con un golazo en el Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda e @IDV_EC lo gana 0-2.#LigaEcuabet conectada x #Xtrim 🤳🏻 pic.twitter.com/dhCYyxQdYz
Why Independiente del Valle won despite losing control
IDV did not dominate every phase, especially during Liga’s aggressive second-half spell. However, Joaquín Papa’s team defended aerial deliveries, protected central areas and avoided emotional mistakes.
The leaders also handled key moments with greater precision. Angulo converted the opening transition, while Briones punished Liga’s final defensive gamble. Meanwhile, Quintana produced the crucial touch when Pretell’s late effort threatened the lead.
As a result, IDV turned a difficult away performance into another clean-sheet victory. That efficiency separates championship leaders from teams still searching for consistency.
Liga de Quito Faces a Shrinking Margin
Liga remains sixth with 35 points after another night of missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Independiente del Valle moved to 61 points and retained a commanding position at the summit.
The leaders also have a reported goal difference of plus 36 after 24 matchdays. As a result, pressure is increasing on every club chasing the championship group.
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