Liga de Quito Hosts Emelec Looking to Close In on Second Place in the Ecuabet League

Still riding the high of knocking out Mirassol on penalties and reaching the final eight of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, Liga de Quito doesn't have time for long celebrations. This Sunday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m. Ecuador time, they host Emelec at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado for matchday 26 of the Ecuabet League, and none of the penalties you missed or saved three days earlier count for anything here.

The domestic tournament calls for something different. The whites have already secured their spot in the continental tournament's quarterfinals, but they know that neglecting the Ecuadorian championship could cost them dearly: they need to keep collecting points to close in on second place and comfortably lock up a spot in the top hexagonal. This isn't about resting players or splitting minutes with one eye on South America, it's about winning, period.

Emelec, for its part, arrives in a different mood than it carried a few weeks ago. The Bombillo managed to climb out of the relegation zone and now steps into a demanding road trip, well aware that a good result in Quito would put them squarely in the fight for that same hexagonal spot that Liga is chasing.

How Both Teams Arrive

Liga de Quito's week was one that will stick in any fan's memory: on Thursday they eliminated Mirassol from the penalty spot to advance to the Libertadores quarterfinals, and the Sunday before that they had already thrashed... well, they had beaten Aucas in the domestic league. Double the reason to arrive with confidence for the clash with Emelec.

On the other side, the blue squad comes off a win over Técnico Universitario, a victory that helped them snap a losing streak that had them in trouble in the standings. That result gives them a bit of breathing room before stepping into the home of one of their historic rivals.

Names to Watch

In Liga de Quito's goal will be Gonzalo Valle, with a back line made up of Ricardo Adé, Luis Segovia and Gian Allala. In midfield, expect dynamism from Jesús Pretell, Alejandro Tobar and Fernando Cornejo, while up front the attacking weight falls on Michael Estrada and Deyverson.

Emelec won't be able to count on Pedro Ortiz between the posts, so Mario Valero will take his place. On defense, the pairing of Aníbal Leguizamón and Luis Fernando León brings experience, while in midfield José Francisco Cevallos and Sergio Quintero stand out. Up top, the Bombillo leans on Luca Klimowicz, Francisco Pizzini, youngster Luis Fragozo and Ronie Carrillo, who is shaping up as their new go-to scorer.

What the Last Meeting Left Behind

The recent head to head record slightly favors the Bombillo. The last time these two met was on April 25, 2026, when Emelec won 1-0 at Estadio George Capwell. And going back to Rodrigo Paz Delgado itself, the most recent meeting there dates to December 3, 2025, another 1-0 win for the blues. That result had leveled the series in that Copa Ecuador semifinal, but in the penalty shootout it was Liga de Quito who ended up celebrating their spot in the final.

With that recent history still fresh, Sunday's match promises more than just three points: it's also Liga de Quito's chance to settle unfinished business on their own field. The match will be broadcast live on Zapping Sports.