Independiente continue to lead the pack

Photo courtesy of Futbolecuador

I managed to get along to the Atahaulpa again on Sunday to witness an entertaining game between El Nacional and Liga de Quito. The final score of 1-1 was hard on the home team especially as they protected their lead for so long with only 10 men. In the end however they failed to heed the warnings and a beleaguered defence finally relented in extra time.

The home crowd was none too happy at the final whistle (more of which to follow in match report) and their coach was later accosted outside the stadium although only by some over-exuberant teen.

Liga played poorly for much of the match and once again failed to catch up with leaders Independiente who also battled to a draw against Deportivo Quito at the same time. The 0-0 stalemate in Sangolqui ensured Independiente remain 2 points ahead of Liga keeping the impossible dream of championship alive.

Independientes current success is very surprising given their relative size (stadium capacity 8,000) and recent promotion form Serie B in 2010. However their strength lies in their young players, the best of which, Christian Ramirez, is on trial at Spurs.

League standings after this weekends results.

With only Barcelona of the “big teams” managing to win at the weekend (4-0 vs Manta) the league is still open and only 8 points separate the first 7 teams

The Guayaquil giants Emelec and Barcelona are only 4 points of the pace and both of the Deportivos (Quito and Cuenca) not far behind. If all the teams can maintain their form the run in should be fascinating.