Leones del Norte challenge league leaders Independiente in Ecuador

Leones del Norte, enjoying a respectable debut season in Ecuador's top division, faces a significant challenge against league leaders Independiente del Valle this Friday. The match marks the start of the twenty-sixth round of the professional league.

With 35 points, Leones del Norte is close to securing a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. They aim to disrupt the dominant run of Independiente del Valle, who have amassed 64 points and recently secured a first-leg victory against Colombia's Deportes Tolima in the Libertadores.

The round is also critical for Macará (42 points), Aucas (41), and Universidad Católica (40) as they compete for second place and potential qualification for international tournaments. Macará will play Libertad, who, with 34 points, are also pushing for a continental spot. Libertad, led by coach Juan Pablo Buch and top scorer Villington Branda, might capitalize on Macará's fatigue after their Copa Sudamericana match.

Meanwhile, Aucas, guided by Ayrton Preciado and Argentines Mateo Burdisso and Brian Oyola, will face a struggling Delfín team fighting against relegation. Universidad Católica needs a win against bottom-placed Manta, hoping for playmaking from Argentine Mauro Díaz, a standout player in the Liga Pro for creating chances. Liga de Quito, currently fifth with 38 points, aims to maintain its position in the international qualification zone when they play Emelec.