Club Leones Del Norte edged out Universidad Católica del Ecuador 1-0 in Serie A, thanks to a first-half strike from Emiliano Griffa. The home side were outplayed for large spells but made their one big chance count, while the visitors missed a golden opportunity of their own.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Griffa found the net to make it 1-0. The match grew increasingly combative, with 11 yellow cards shown in total, including bookings for Ariel Aguas, Eric Valencia, Jonathan Arroyo, Jhon Chancellor, Cristhian Solano, Gregori Anangonó, Mauricio Alonso, Jerónimo Cacciabue, Miguel Yordan Caicedo Orobio, Ronny Borja, and Álex Rodríguez, but no further goals were scored.
The box score tells a tale of contrasting styles: Universidad Católica dominated possession with 65% and registered 17 total shots to Leones' 15, but they managed only four shots on target and missed their sole big chance. Leones, with just 35% possession and three shots on target, converted their one big chance and held on for the win, with goalkeeper saves of 4 to 2 proving crucial.
