You know how sometimes you get a matchup that feels like the script writers from “Friday Night Lights” just took over and decided, screw it, let’s make every subplot collide at once? That’s Guayaquil City FC vs. 9 de Octubre in the penultimate act of this year’s Liga Pro Serie B. Second place hosting fourth, both within arm’s reach of the trophy. A streaking home side. An underdog with a score to settle. It’s got drama, it’s got tension, and frankly, if you’re not pacing your living room in anticipation, you probably don’t have a pulse.

Let’s break down what’s at stake without getting all “Game of Thrones” about it, but honestly—this is the next best thing. Guayaquil City are swaggering into this one like Tony Stark fresh from a hardware upgrade. Five straight wins, a perfect October, goals coming late as if they’re script-flipping plot twists designed to wreck opponents’ psyches. They’re not just winning; they’re stepping on throats in the dying minutes—San Antonio got three daggers from the 67th minute on, Gualaceo got the knockout punch after halftime, and everyone else has been left wondering where this relentless finishing power came from. This isn’t just momentum—it’s the kind of red-hot form that haunts the dreams of every Serie B hopeful. Losing their nerve now would be a plot twist worthy of “The Sixth Sense,” but all the signals point the other way.

Meanwhile, 9 de Octubre, sitting just four points back, are embodying the scrappy, infuriating underdog who refuses to fade out in the third act. Their recent form line (DLDDW) reads like the track listing for a moody alt-rock album—some promise, a few letdowns, and plenty of unresolved tension. But dig under the surface: they haven’t lost in three, and they just eked out a win over Ind. Juniors to show that when the chips are down, there’s still some spit and vinegar in this squad. Their scoring average isn’t scaring anyone at 0.8 goals per game in their last 10, but they’ve proven annoyingly difficult to finish off. If you want a movie comparison, they’re that team from “The Replacements” who might not always look pretty on paper but keep finding ways to stick around when it matters.

But here’s the kicker: last time these two squared off, Guayaquil City waltzed into 9 de Octubre’s house and mugged them 2-0, with both goals coming deep into the proceedings—79th and 82nd minutes. You want a revenge factor? 9 de Octubre have circled this return fixture in thick red ink. Imagine if “Rocky II” took place exclusively in the ring’s final round. That’s what we’ve got.

So what’s going to decide it? The tactical board says this comes down to who controls the midfield after the hour mark. Guayaquil City have built a habit of saving their best for late, clocking up at least one goal after the 75th in their last three games. Their ability to keep pressing and break down tired legs turns deadlocked affairs into back-page headline grabbers. On the flip side, 9 de Octubre are going to come in knowing they need to clog passing lanes, park the bus if needed, and make it ugly. They can’t win in a shootout, so they’ll try to slow the tempo, frustrate, and hope for a Roy Hobbs “Wonderboy” moment from one of their forwards on the break.

We haven’t even talked about the pressure. Whoever wins this might very well be penciling in a date with destiny—or at the very least, making the other guy’s title chase look like a pipe dream. Guayaquil City leapfrog the leader with any slip-up above, while 9 de Octubre, winless in direct duels this year, have the sneaky chance to blow this thing wide open if they can steal three points.

You want a bold prediction? Here you go: Guayaquil City’s form simply refuses to fade, and unless 9 de Octubre turn into the 2004 Red Sox and reverse the curse, the home side has just too much firepower and resilience down the stretch. Expect late drama, a furious visiting side, and at least one moment that’ll have you yelling at your TV—and if 9 de Octubre do miraculously grab it, that’s the kind of shock they’ll be making “30 for 30” docs about someday.

Either way, clear your calendar, find your lucky scarf, and prepare for a showdown that could change the entire course of the league. You don’t get many nights like this. Don’t overthink it. Just soak it in.