Aucas and La Unión shared a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16 of the Ecuador Cup on 12 August 2026, before Aucas prevailed in a penalty shootout. The match had been settled into a comfortable rhythm until the final moments, when everything changed. And here's the thing about these knockout ties — you never know which phase will decide it.
H. Lino opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, catching La Unión's back line asleep. Aucas had controlled possession comfortably through the first half, but it was a moment of individual quality that broke the deadlock. To be fair, La Unión did not look troubled until that point.
They responded with purpose. A. Mena equalised in the 78th minute, a response that showed real character. The game had opened up now, and both sides went looking for a winner. By then, the tension was building on the pitch and in the stands alike.
Extra time produced nothing, so the shootout began at 120+1. Aucas took the early advantage, converting their first three attempts while La Unión missed one in the second round. But the visitors refused to fold, and the shootout tightened as it went on.
In the fourth round, a penalty miss from Aucas levelled things at 3-3. Then in the fifth, another miss from La Unión meant the tie was decided. Aucas scored their final spot-kick and held their nerve when it mattered most.
For Aucas, this extends their recent form — three wins in four competitive matches before this contest. La Unión's recent record is harder to read, with several draws and no victories in their last five outings. The result means Aucas advance deeper into the cup.