GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (Interstat) — A crucial Liga Pro Serie B match with playoff implications is set for Sunday when Nueve de Octubre hosts Leones del Norte.

The Ecuadorian second-division rivals enter the contest at the Estadio Christian Benítez Betancourt with nearly identical league records. Nueve de Octubre sits at 10-9-7, while Leones del Norte is 10-8-6. Both teams are separated by just a few points in the tightly packed table.

The home side will look to replicate their recent success against Leones del Norte, having secured a 1-0 victory in the last head-to-head meeting on June 3.

Nueve de Octubre, however, arrives seeking to rebound from a 2-1 midweek loss to CD Cuenca Juniors. Their form has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last five matches across all competitions.

Leones del Norte brings a more resilient recent record, having lost just once in their last five outings. They are coming off a 1-1 draw with El San Antonio on Oct. 16, part of a run that includes three draws in their last four matches. Their defense has been stout, conceding only three goals in that four-game span.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the closely matched nature of these teams points toward a 1-1 draw. The result would extend Leones del Norte’s run of draws and leave both clubs fighting for every point as the Serie B season continues.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26, in Guayaquil.