Guayaquil City fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Libertad FC in matchday 25 of the Liga Ecuabet on Saturday, August 15, at Estadio Christian Benitez Betancourt in Guayaquil.
A second-half double from forward Edinson Mero rescued a point for the host team after Libertad had built a two-goal lead during the opening 23 minutes of the match.
Libertad opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Dany Coronel finished off an attacking play by the visiting side from Loja. Four minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.
The penalty was awarded after refereeing officials penalized Guayaquil City player Esnaider Cabezas for a handball in the penalty area in the 21st minute. Vilinton Branda converted the spot kick in the 23rd minute to make it 2-0.
First half chances and VAR review
Guayaquil City attempted to respond before the interval, creating scoring opportunities through shots from Pablo Gonzalez, Miler Bolanos and Edinson Mero.
The home side also appealed for a penalty in the 39th minute. The referee consulted the video assistant referee monitor to check a possible foul inside Libertad's penalty box, but determined after observing the play that no penalty should be awarded.
Edinson Mero second half comeback
The Citizen team mounted their comeback in the second half. Mero scored with a header in the 62nd minute to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Mero struck again in the 78th minute with another header, equalising at 2-2 to earn his side a draw.
Guayaquil City and Libertad FC both compete in Ecuador's top-tier football competition, the Liga Ecuabet. Guayaquil City plays its home fixtures at Estadio Christian Benitez Betancourt, located in Guayaquil.
The draw gives each club one point in round 25. Libertad sits eighth in the standings with 34 points, while Guayaquil City is 11th with 30 points, with positions subject to change as the remaining matches of the round are played.
