AMBATO, Ecuador (Interstat) — CD Macara opened its Liga Pro season with a 2-0 victory over El Nacional on Sunday, using a pair of second-half goals to secure a win that defied a chaotic first half filled with disciplinary action.

Playing at home, Macara controlled the match but was held scoreless through the first hour before breaking through in the 62nd minute. Midfielder Stefano Viera provided the initial breakthrough, finishing a play to give his team the lead.

The insurance goal came 17 minutes later from an unlikely source. Defender Nahuel Arena found the net in the 79th minute, sealing the three points for the hosts and ensuring they started their domestic campaign with a win.

The match was notably physical, with the officiating crew distributing six yellow cards and one red card. The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the 24th minute when El Nacional’s Jordán Congo was sent off with a straight red card, forcing the visiting side to play a man down for the majority of the contest.

The first half was particularly fraught, accounting for four of the six cautions. Macara’s Gastón Blanc was booked in the 18th minute, followed by teammate José Luis Marrufo in the 43rd. The stoppage time period saw a flurry of activity, with El Nacional’s Djorkaeff Reasco and Macara’s Rommel Cabezas both receiving yellow cards in quick succession.

The second half saw two more players cautioned. Macara’s Marco Montaño was shown a yellow card in the 61st minute, just before Viera’s opening goal. Teammate Sander Mazamba was also booked in the 78th minute, moments before Arena scored.

The victory was a collective effort, with Macara’s goals being set up by a committee of playmakers. Viera’s 62nd-minute goal was assisted by Gastón Blanc. Arena’s 79th-minute header was delivered by Sander Mazamba.

The result improves Macara’s record to one win and zero losses to begin the Liga Pro season. El Nacional starts its campaign with a record of zero wins and one loss. The same records apply for both clubs across all competitions.

The final score diverged from a pregame projection by Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw. However, the same analytics firm’s ELO system gave Macara an 81.30 percent probability of winning the match, an expectation the home side ultimately fulfilled with its second-half surge.