The clash between Liga de Quito and Emelec is always a notable event, and this Saturday at 18:00 in the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, there’s an added significance: Emelec aims for their 100th victory against Liga de Quito in the Ecuadorian Football Championship.
Historically, these two giants have faced each other 231 times in the local league, with Emelec leading the all-time record with 99 wins, while Liga de Quito holds 87 victories, and they have drawn 45 times. The match this Saturday in Ponceano has the potential to mark a historic milestone for the blue team.
Beyond the statistics, the Casa Blanca stadium has often served as a stage for Emelec to break out of tough times. A notable example occurred on November 18, 2020, when Emelec triumphed 2-1 despite being down to ten men after Bryan Carabalí’s red card. On that evening, Liga de Quito took an early lead, but Emelec celebrated a comeback, demonstrating their resilience.
Another memorable encounter was the thrilling 4-2 comeback from Emelec on November 26, 2017. Liga de Quito appeared in control early on, scoring twice in the first ten minutes, only for Emelec to fight back with goals from Bryan Angulo, Jorge Guagua, Ayrton Preciado, and Hólger Matamoros.
Under the management of Alfredo Arias at the time, Emelec also defeated Liga de Quito in the final that year, securing their 14th championship title. In 2015, they celebrated their 13th title at the capital’s stadium, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
In 2025, Emelec achieved their first victory of the season, narrowly avoiding a historically disastrous start with no wins in their first five matches, thanks to a goal from Argentine striker Facundo Castelli.
Currently, under the temporary leadership of Argentine Cristian Nasuti, Emelec is seeking to recreate some of those magical nights against Liga de Quito, hoping that the elevated altitude of the capital can provide the spark they need for recovery and success.
This matchup not only promises excitement but also represents a critical moment for Emelec to build momentum in the league.