In a decisive clash at the Estadio Jocay on November 1, 2025, Delfin SC emerged victorious against Deportivo Cuenca with a score of 2-0, marking a significant turnaround for the home team. This match, essential for both clubs' positioning in the Liga Pro's Placement Group, saw a disciplined performance from Delfin, who secured the much-needed three points after a string of disappointing results.
For the past several weeks, Delfin SC had struggled to find their form, barely scoring and sitting in 12th place with just 31 points. Their recent matches featured a bleak offensive output, highlighted by a shocking 4-0 loss to Macara. As I predicted in my pre-match preview, the team needed to revitalize their attack to have a fighting chance against a more formidable opponent. While I suggested they might adopt a defensive strategy, Delfin demonstrated a surprising blend of resilience and opportunism that left me pleasantly surprised, to say the least.
The turning point came in the second half when Braian Cuello found the back of the net in the 63rd minute, igniting hope for Delfin's fans. This was a crucial moment, as it tilted the momentum firmly in their favor. Moments later, in the 76th minute, Edison Vega doubled the lead, sealing the game with a confident finish that emphasized the home team's renewed spirit. The crowd erupted as the players celebrated, their first league victory since early September.
While Delfin SC celebrated their attacking prowess, Deportivo Cuenca faced challenges of their own. Their hopes for a comeback dimmed when defender Jorge Ordóñez received a red card just before halftime, leaving Cuenca with ten men for the second half. Ordóñez's dismissal proved costly, as his absence weakened the team's defensive structure and allowed Delfin to exploit the extra space. Cuenca, now in seventh place with 46 points, had entered the match with high aspirations but left the stadium reflecting on missed opportunities.
The second half saw Deportivo Cuenca struggle to regain their composure, and an unfortunate red card to Osmar Fernandez of Delfin in the 73rd minute, as he received a second yellow, seemed to hint at a potential shift in momentum. However, Cuenca could not capitalize, and Delfin held their ground until the final whistle, maintaining their advantage and securing a much-needed victory.
Overall, this result significantly impacts standings for both teams. Delfin SC now sits with hope and rising momentum, inching closer to a more respectable position, while Deportivo Cuenca, still reeling from this defeat, must regroup quickly if they want to stay competitive in the tight race for playoff spots.
Looking ahead, Delfin faces Aucas on November 11, seeking to build on their newfound confidence. Meanwhile, Deportivo Cuenca will host Macara on November 8, where they must prove their resilience and ability to bounce back from disappointment. As the season unfolds, the pressure only intensifies, and both teams will enter their next matches with the weight of expectation firmly on their shoulders.