Ecuador Wrap: Emelec capitalise to go top

Gustavo Quinteros' men are a point clear at the top after their fifth win in six league games – a 4-1 victory over a sloppy Manta.

Independiente del Valle were held to a 0-0 draw at home to LDU Quito and LDU Loja were unable to win at Universidad Catolica.

Former Everton striker Denis Stracqualursi put Emelec ahead at home to Manta on 19 minutes, drilling a penalty down the middle after a sloppy challenge led to the spot-kick.

Manta were left rueing their own mistakes once more when they went 2-0 down in the 73rd minute.

A long pass looked to be doing no danger to their defence, only for Ricardo Lopez to nod over his own goalkeeper while trying to play it back to the shot-stopper.

Another penalty three minutes later led to the third as Angel Mena scored from the spot on this occasion.

Efren Mera struck with a brilliant volley for Manta on 81 minutes, only for Emelec to score once more soon after.

Marcos Caicedo put away a wonderful long pass to complete Emelec's huge win, with the league leaders top despite having played two fewer games than their nearest challengers.

At Universidad Catolica, Fabio Renato and Henry Patta traded goals in the opening nine minutes as LDU Loja were held to a 1-1 draw.

El Nacional came from behind to beat winless Deportivo Cuenca 2-1 and Mushuc Runa claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory at home to Olmedo.

Deportivo Quito came from behind to overcome Barcelona 2-1.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger