Independiente del Valle reaches 15 consecutive wins after dramatic comeback

Independiente del Valle achieved their 15th straight win across all competitions with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Leones FC on Friday, August 21. The Ecuadorian club, known as the "rayado" or "negriazul," came from behind twice to secure the dramatic win at the Estadio Olímpico de Ibarra.

Joaquín Papa's squad clinched the victory in the final minutes of the match, with Charli González scoring two goals in added time. This remarkable comeback not only extended their winning streak but also solidified their position as leaders in the Liga Pro championship. The team has not lost a match since May 23, when they were defeated by Libertad.

The game started unfavorably for Independiente del Valle when Juan Luis Anangonó scored for Leones FC just 30 seconds into the match. Despite efforts to equalize in the first half, the breakthrough came after the break. Djorkaeff Reasco found the net in the 50th minute to level the score at 1-1. However, the equalizer was short-lived as Leones FC regained the lead seven minutes later via a penalty converted by Christian Solano, confirmed after a VAR review.

Independiente del Valle thought they had equalized again in the 70th minute through Aaron Rodríguez, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check. With 11 minutes of added time due to various interruptions, the momentum shifted dramatically. In the 93rd minute, Charli González brought the score to 2-2 with a chest control and left-footed finish from a cross by Emerson Pata. Just two minutes later, González sealed the comeback, scoring the winning goal in the 95th minute and completing the dramatic turnaround.