Emelec, led by Spaniard Ismael Riscalvo, earned a point from Sucre in a 1-1 draw with Independiente Petrolero on the first date of the group stage that marked the Bolivian side’s debut in the Copa Libertadores.
Argentine Jonatan Cristaldo put Indy ahead in the 88th minute, and his compatriot Mauro Quiroga equalized for Emlec in the 91st.
With a tie, Ecuadorians and Bolivians are second in Group A, led by Brazilian Palmeiras and Venezuelan Deportivo Tachira in last place.
The electrics showed an attacking game right from the start against an indie newcomer who at times looked very cautious, allowing the visitors to take more control in the opening minutes of the match.
Brian Carabale managed to open the scoring in the 2nd minute after a poor clearance from Sucrence’s defense, although his attempt went too far, luckily for goalkeeper Alex Arancibia.
The Bolivian team’s clearest match was a pass from Colombian Harold Reina to Nixon Fuleco in the 22nd minute, but the Ecuadorean’s header was not accurate.
This attempt seemed to give a new air to those led by Argentine Bolivian Marcelo Robledo who were encouraged to attack more, although they were inaccurate and missed at least three other chances to score.
The second half was even, with both teams taking the field determined to score.
Riscalvo’s men scored the first attempt in the 54th minute with a header from Cabeza that almost surprised Arancibia.
Three minutes later, ‘electric’ goalkeeper Pedro Ortiz outscored a powerful free kick from recently entered Joel Bejarano.
And in the 68th minute, Ortiz saved his team again from an attempt by Colombian striker Eric Correa.
The last minutes were back and forth, with arrival and fear for both teams, like Joao Rojas’ skewed shot in the 82nd minute.
And the Ecuadorean resistance continued until the 88th minute when Cristaldo took advantage of a cross pass from Alejandro Medina to score.
The happiness was short-lived for the locals, because in the first minute of the addition, a good combination of Rojas and Quiroga allowed the second to equalize the score.
On the second date, Independiente Petrolero will visit Palmeiras and receive Emilic Deportivo Tachira. (Dr)