Aucas vs. Deportivo Cuenca match marred by fan brawl

The 18th round of the Ecuadorian championship was marred by fan violence, with significant clashes reported outside the Alejandro Serrano Aguilar stadium in Cuenca. Supporters of Deportivo Cuenca and visiting Aucas engaged in a "battle royal" shortly before or after their match on July 12, 2026.

Videos shared on social media captured the disturbing scenes, showing a mob identified as Deportivo Cuenca fans pursuing and attacking individuals wearing Aucas' colors. Projectiles were thrown, and one person was seen lying on the ground during the melee. The National Police were forced to intervene to restore order and disperse the agitated fans.

This incident follows other disturbances during the same matchday. The "Clásico del Astillero" between Barcelona SC and Emelec also saw violence, with the Barcelona team bus being attacked with projectiles outside the George Capwell stadium. Additionally, a confrontation occurred between Liga de Quito's coach Tiago Nunes and a fan inside the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, leading to the fan's removal by police.

On the field, Aucas emerged victorious against Deportivo Cuenca with a 1-0 win, thanks to an early own goal by Andrés López in the fourth minute. This result propelled Aucas to second place in the national championship with 32 points, trailing league leaders Independiente del Valle by 11 points. Deportivo Cuenca dropped to fifth place with 27 points.