MALACATAN, Guatemala (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, Malacateco opened its Liga Nacional campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over rival Comunicaciones on Sunday at Estadio Municipal Santa Lucía.

The home side delivered a dominant performance, shutting out one of Guatemala’s most prominent clubs in a match that was largely controlled by Malacateco from the outset. The final score stood in stark contrast to the expectations set by statistical analysts, with Interstat’s game simulator having projected a 2-1 win for Comunicaciones. The same statistical service gave Malacateco a 67.5 percent probability to win based on its ELO rating system, a forecast the home team fulfilled with authority.

After a first half of sustained pressure that yielded no goals, Malacateco broke through in the 57th minute. Forward Ángel López found the back of the net, giving the home squad a lead it would not relinquish. The goal energized the home supporters and put Comunicaciones on the back foot.

Malacateco sealed the victory 15 minutes later when Kevin Ramírez scored in the 72nd minute, doubling the advantage and effectively putting the match out of reach for the visiting side. The two-second half goals were a testament to Malacateco’s persistent offensive efforts.

The loss marks a difficult start to the domestic season for Comunicaciones, which now holds a record of zero wins and one loss in the Liga Nacional. The club’s record across all competitions also falls to zero wins and one loss.

For Malacateco, the win provides a perfect start to its league campaign, improving its record to one win and zero losses. The club’s record across all competitions mirrors that perfect start. The victory against a traditional powerhouse like Comunicaciones will serve as a significant confidence booster as the season progresses.

The match, organized by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala, was played before a vocal home crowd in Malacatán. The result shakes up the early season table and establishes Malacateco as a team to watch in the opening stages of the championship.