Sofia Quijada
Leones del Norte and Macara meet in Atuntaqui for a match loaded with pressure as both sides try to climb out of the lower half of the Liga Pro 2026 Apertura standings. Macara arrive as the slight favourite according to bookmakers, despite their underwhelming run of form, while Leones del Norte look to build on a recent morale-boosting victory. The fixture sets up as a tactical clash between Edison Méndez and Guillermo Sanguinetti, both seeking stability and points at a key juncture of the campaign.
Midfielder Emiliano Griffa (Leones del Norte) stands out for his direct contributions, while Macara’s Matías Miranda acts as the chief orchestrator in the middle, crucial for controlling possession and tempo.
Hot stat: Macara have managed only 1 goal in their last five games, despite averaging 13 total shots per match.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Liga Pro 2026 Apertura (Ecuador) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Jaime Teran Olympic Stadium, Atuntaqui |
| 🗓️ Date: | 02.06.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 00:00 CEST |
Leones del Norte vs Macara prediction
We predict a low-scoring encounter, with Macara slightly more likely to edge the result. Macara’s away record and shot output look superior, but their finishing is extremely inefficient just a single goal in five recent matches despite 65 shots. Leones del Norte, although less active in attack, are far more efficient in front of goal (6 goals from 40 shots in the same span). The home side have also won 60% of their last five, and that recent uptick gives them a chance to frustrate Macara.
Both sides display a combative style Leones del Norte average 10.8 fouls and 2 yellow cards per match, while Macara are even more physical with over 12 fouls and a similar booking rate. Expect interruptions, fragmented play, and limited goalmouth action. Macara’s ball progression (1,691 passes in five matches) is better than Leones del Norte’s, but their inability to convert remains a glaring issue.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Under 2.5 Goals |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Leones del Norte snapped a two-game losing streak by beating CSD Huaquillas FC 1-0 at home in their last outing, demonstrating renewed defensive solidity and more clinical finishing after two prior matches where defensive lapses proved costly. Edison Méndez’s team have struggled for consistency, alternating between wins and losses, but when they do score, they tend to see the game out.
Macara’s recent goalless draw against America de Cali typifies their issues they create but cannot finish. Their last five matches yielded just one goal, with three draws and two defeats. The team keeps the ball well, led by Matías Miranda’s passing from midfield, but lack a reliable finisher. Their defensive structure, though, limits opposition chances, which helps explain the run of low-scoring results.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Leones del Norte | Macara |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 40 | 65 |
| Free kicks | 12 | 30 |
| Corner kicks | 12 | 30 |
| Total fouls | 54 | 61 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 76 | 74 |
| Interceptions | 42 | 32 |
| Offsides | 9 | 3 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Leones del Norte vs Macara stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Macara the favourite
- Moneyline Leones del Norte 3.21 | Macara 2.39
- Draw 2.98
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.25 | Under 2.5 1.56
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.23 | No 1.54
Bookmakers lean towards Macara for the win, but their finishing problems mean this is far from clear-cut. Odds on a draw are tight, reflecting the teams’ similar recent results and low goal tallies. Unders markets (total goals and BTTS No) are heavily favoured, consistent with both teams’ defensive resilience and lack of attacking output.
Possible Starting Lineups
Leones del Norte possible starting eleven
- GK: José Luis Angulo Angulo
- DF: Alexis Nicolás Monserrat, Brian Gastón Kreiman, Jordan Eduardo Morán Cortez, Maiky de la Cruz
- MF: Segundo Portocarrero, Emiliano Griffa, Cristhian Solano, Martín Caramuto, A Aguas
- FW: Juan Anangonó
Leones del Norte are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 as in recent matches. José Luis Angulo provides reliability in goal. Alexis Monserrat and Brian Kreiman anchor the backline, while midfield presence is split between the physicality of Griffa and the forward drive of Portocarrero. Juan Anangonó leads the line, with support from versatile midfielders. Griffa’s energy and finishing from midfield make him the player to watch.
Macara possible starting eleven
- GK: Rodrigo Rodríguez
- DF: Jairo Jimenez, Tono Espinoza, Denilson Bolanos, Marlon Medranda
- MF: Jose Cazares, Matías Miranda, Jean Estacio, Gaston Blanc
- FW: Jairo Jimenez
Macara also favour a 4-2-3-1. Rodríguez is a mainstay in goal, with Jimenez and Espinoza as first-choice defenders. In midfield, Miranda dictates the pace and Cazares offers defensive cover. The attack will rely on overlaps from Jimenez and creativity from Estacio and Blanc. Miranda remains the team’s main creative outlet.
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Macara. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
Our expert team predicts a low-scoring, tense affair with Macara’s control of possession offset by a lack of incisiveness up front. Leones del Norte’s recent improvement in efficiency and home advantage put them in contention for at least a point. The under 2.5 goals market holds strong value, and a 0-0 or 1-0 either way is entirely possible.
