Deportivo Cuenca Beats Aucas 1-0 in Quito — Climbs to 5th in LigaPro
Chip Moreno
A Gritty Win in Quito
Deportivo Cuenca traveled to Quito's Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda on Saturday night and came home with all three points, beating Aucas 1-0 in a match that was tighter than the scoreline suggests.
The difference: a header from Andrés "Pollo" López in the 80th minute — the kind of late goal that turns a frustrating draw into a celebration.
How It Played Out
The first half was cagey. Aucas controlled possession early but couldn't break through Cuenca's compact defensive block. Cuenca's best chances came on the counter, but finishing was wasteful.
The second half opened up more, with both sides trading chances. Cuenca looked the more dangerous team from the 60th minute onward, pressing higher and creating more from set pieces.
Then came the moment. A cross swung into the box in the 80th minute found Pollo López rising above his marker. Clean header. Back of the net. Cuenca's bench erupted.
Aucas pushed for an equalizer in the final ten minutes, but Cuenca's defense held firm. The referee blew the final whistle, and Deportivo had their second win from three matches.
Where They Stand
| LigaPro 2026 | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Cuenca | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
Six points from three matches puts Cuenca in 5th place in the LigaPro table. It's early — the season is long — but for a club that's rebuilding and pushing for continental competition again after their Copa Sudamericana run, this is a solid start.
What's Next
Deportivo Cuenca returns home to the Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar for their next match. Home dates will be announced on the LigaPro schedule. If the team keeps winning, expect the stadium to fill up — Cuencanos love a winning run.
Why Expats Should Care
Even if you're not a soccer fan, Deportivo Cuenca matches are one of the best cultural experiences in the city. The atmosphere at the Serrano Aguilar is electric — drums, chanting, flares (yes, actual flares), and the kind of crowd energy you don't get anywhere else in Cuenca.
Practical tips for attending:
- Tickets are cheap — usually $5-$15 depending on the section
- General admission (General) is the rowdy end with the barra brava. Tribuna is more chill
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early for a good seat
- Bring cash — vendors sell empanadas, canguil (popcorn), and drinks in the stands
- Wear red and black if you want to blend in
- The stadium is at Avenida del Estadio, about a 10-minute taxi ride from El Centro
- Don't bring a bag larger than a small purse — security is strict at the entrance
Next home match will be a good one. Keep an eye on the schedule.
Sources: El Mercurio, ESPN
