Independiente del Valle thrash Macará to reach 71 points in Ecuador

Independiente del Valle scored three goals in the first 15 minutes and beat Macará 3-1 on Saturday night, reaching 71 points in Ecuador’s championship.

Djorkaef Reasco struck in the eighth and 10th minutes, and Ronald Briones added a third in the 15th minute. Macará responded in the second half, reducing the deficit in the 75th minute through an own goal by Andy Velasco.

The result preserved Independiente del Valle’s large lead at the top of the standings after 29 rounds. Macará remained the runner-up with 48 points, level with Aucas.

Independiente del Valle, Macará, Universidad Católica and Aucas have already secured places in the next phase. The six leading teams will enter a championship hexagonal. Liga de Quito and Barcelona, both on 42 points, are still seeking confirmation, while Leones del Norte, Libertad, Mushuc Runa, Guayaquil City, Emelec and Deportivo Cuenca compete for the remaining places.

The final two rounds will determine the definitive classification and the distribution of international places for 2027. Independiente del Valle is also preparing for the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals against Flamengo. The first leg is scheduled for September 10, with Independiente del Valle hosting at Quito’s Atahualpa Stadium.