Marcayense secured a narrow 1:0 victory over Malacateco in the National League's Regular Season round 11 on 27 September 2026. The result keeps the hosts' momentum going after a mixed run of form. To be fair, it wasn't the most open of encounters, but the decisive moment came when it mattered most.
The early exchanges were already heated, with A. Soto picked up a yellow card in the third minute and D. Chuc booking twice within five minutes. Y. Hernandez went offside with a caution of his own in the 27th minute. By then it was clear both sides were cautious, playing for the first mistake.
The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute when O. Linton found the net for Marcayense. He finished a move that had been building through the middle third, and the home supporters finally had something to celebrate. And here's the thing about these tight games — one moment decides everything.
Substitutions shaped the second half. Marcayense brought on G. Vasquez and J. Ochoa in the 59th minute, while G. A. Ramirez K. and I. de Leon arrived together in the 62nd. Malacateco responded with three changes in the 72nd, bringing on J. Castanon, E. Vasquez and Y. Hernandez. We had called for a home win at 52 per cent confidence, and the result proved us right — Marcayense's structure held firm when it counted.
F. Quinteros received a yellow card in the 88th minute, adding to the tension as the game wound down. E. Sanchez came on for Marcayense in the 87th minute, a late addition that didn't change the outcome. The visitors pressed for an equaliser but couldn't find the space they needed.
The win moves Marcayense clear in the table, while Malacateco's away record takes a hit. The hosts have now won two of their last five league games, a slight improvement on their recent struggles. One point separates them from the teams around them, and this result could prove crucial come the business end of the season.
