# El Nacional’s Comeback Falls Short as Deportivo Cuenca Juniors Secure Vital Away Win
**Match Summary**
In a tightly contested Liga Pro Serie B clash at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Deportivo Cuenca Juniors edged out El Nacional 2-1 in a match defined by a fast start and a resilient defensive finish. The visitors struck twice in the first half-hour, building a lead that ultimately proved insurmountable despite a second-half surge from the home side. The result provides a crucial boost to Deportivo Cuenca’s campaign while leaving El Nacional to rue missed opportunities in their pursuit of points.
**Key Moments and Match Analysis**
The match’s decisive phase arrived early. Deportivo Cuenca Juniors, organized in a compact 4-2-3-1, exploited El Nacional’s high defensive line in the 18th minute. A quick transition from midfield found winger **Jhonny Quiñónez** in space, and his low cross was turned in from close range by striker **Luis Fernando León**. The early goal forced El Nacional to commit more men forward, leaving them vulnerable again. Just before the half-hour mark, midfielder **Mario Rizotto** doubled the advantage, arriving late in the box to volley home a partially cleared corner, showcasing a well-rehearsed set-piece routine.
Facing a two-goal deficit, El Nacional coach **Ever Hugo Almeida** made decisive tactical changes at halftime, shifting to a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation. The adjustment paid dividends, increasing their possession and pressure. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when veteran forward **Joffre Escobar** headed home from a precise free-kick, setting up a tense final half-hour. El Nacional dominated possession and created several half-chances, but a combination of last-ditch defending from Cuenca’s **Luis Fernando León** (who was immense at center-back) and wayward finishing preserved the visitors’ lead. Deportivo Cuenca expertly managed the game’s final stages, slowing the tempo and frustrating El Nacional’s buildup.
**Tactical Breakdown**
Deportivo Cuenca Juniors executed a perfect away performance. Their first-half strategy was based on defensive solidity and explosive counter-attacks, targeting the channels behind El Nacional’s wing-backs. After taking the lead, they dropped into a deeper 4-4-2 block, congesting the central areas and forcing El Nacional into less dangerous wide crosses. The defensive discipline, led by **León** and goalkeeper **Giancarlos Terreros**, was the foundation of their victory.
El Nacional’s initial setup was too open, and they were punished. Their second-half response was vigorous, and the tactical shift generated significant momentum. However, a lack of precision in the final third and Cuenca’s resolute defensive shape meant their possession (ending near 65%) lacked the cutting edge required for a full comeback.
**Standings Implications**
This result significantly impacts the mid-table dynamics of the Liga Pro Serie B. The three points propel **Deportivo Cuenca Juniors** firmly into the conversation for a promotion playoff spot, boosting both their points tally and morale. For **El Nacional**, a club with top-flight pedigree, this missed opportunity at home stalls their progress and leaves them needing to find greater consistency, particularly in defense, to mount a serious challenge for the top positions. The psychological edge of securing an away win against a direct rival could prove invaluable for Cuenca as the season progresses.
**Player Ratings Mention**
*El Nacional*: **Joffre Escobar (7.5/10)** was the standout, providing a goal and constant threat. The defensive unit, however, had a difficult first half.
*Deportivo Cuenca Juniors*: **Luis Fernando León (8/10)** was a colossus, scoring the opener and then marshaling the defense superbly. **Mario Rizotto (7.5/10)** was influential in midfield, contributing the crucial second goal and relentless defensive work.