Malacateco and Helahu drew 2:2 in a National League Regular Season match on Friday evening. The result keeps both sides in the mix, though neither side can celebrate. The visitors had been in mixed form before this game, with only one win in their last five outings.
Malacateco took the lead in the 58th minute through A. Canales, who struck shortly after J. Castaneda came on at the break. The home side pressed forward, and it paid off — Canales made the difference with a well-timed finish.
K. Ruiz equalised for Helahu just six minutes later. By then the visitors had settled into the game, and the draw brought them together early in the second half. The momentum shifted, and Helahu began to believe they could take something from the match.
What followed was a flurry of late goals. H. E. Quezada Gamez put Helahu ahead in the 90th minute, and you thought it might be enough. But N. Andrade found a way back into it in stoppage time, and the match ended level after a wild finish.
Malacateco dominated the numbers — 51% possession, seven shots on target, 80 attacks to the visitors' 71. Helahu managed only three shots on target, yet they scored twice. It was a case of efficiency over volume, though the statistics suggest the home side should have too much for them on paper.
The result leaves both teams with one point apiece from this fixture. Malacateco's recent run includes a heavy 4:0 defeat, while Helahu's only win came against Aurorá. This draw does little to separate them in the table, but it does keep both sides in contention.