Minas secured a 3-1 victory over Ayacucho in the Segunda División's regular season round 14, played at the Estadio Municipal on Saturday evening. The hosts moved to within three points of the top four after a result that extended their unbeaten run to four games. Ayacucho, already struggling to find consistency this campaign, suffered another setback in their push for promotion.
The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Minas took the lead in the 58th minute through D. Alania, capitalising on a moment of space in the box. Ayacucho responded quickly, with S. Barboza equalising just five minutes later. The momentum shifted again when L. Trujillo restored the home side's advantage in the 89th minute, his header finding the bottom corner after a cross from the left.
The match turned contentious in the final minutes. Ayacucho's A. Agurto was sent off in the 69th minute for a second yellow card, leaving his side to play most of the second half with ten men. Then, in stoppage time, Minas added a late goal to seal the result. Ayacucho's A. Tamariz received his second yellow card in the 86th minute, compounding his team's troubles.
By then, the statistics told a familiar story. Ayacucho controlled 56 per cent of possession but managed only one shot on target, while Minas were more efficient with three attempts on goal. The visitors registered just two corners compared to five for the hosts, suggesting the home side pressed more aggressively as the game progressed.
The result moves Minas to third place on 22 points from 15 matches, sitting above the relegation zone and within striking distance of the play-off positions. Ayacucho remain in seventh on 19 points, their hopes of a top-six finish growing thinner with each passing week. Both sides will now turn their attention to next week's fixtures, where form could prove decisive.