Ecuador Primera A Wrap: Emelec join Catolica at the top

Emelec drew level on points with Universidad Catolica on top of the Ecuador Primera A after overcoming Barcelona 2-0 on Sunday.

Former Everton striker Denis Stracqualursi scored in the 39th and 65th minutes as Emelec took advantage of Catolica’s 3-2 loss against Independiente del Valle.

When Facundo Martinez gave Catolica the lead from the spot in the 44th minute, it seemed as though they would cruise to victory.

But quick-fire second-half goals from Junior Sornoza and Fernando Guerrero turned the match in Independiente’s favour.

Armando Solis scored a third for Independiente on 78 minutes, with Catolica’s Federico Laurito creating a nervy finish as he hit the back of the net in the 92nd minute.

El Nacional enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 result against bottom-placed Deportivo Quevedo.

Marwin Pita struck the opener on 16 minutes before dispatching a penalty three minutes later to round out the scoring.

Walter Calderon scored the only goal as Deportivo Quito stretched their unbeaten run to five with a 1-0 away triumph against Macara.

Manta waited until the 75th minute to secure a 1-0 win against LDU Quito, with Gabriel Mendez the goalscorer.

A solitary strike from Victor Estupinan handed Deportivo Cuenca a 1-0 win over LDU Loja.