QUITO, Ecuador (Interstat) — El Nacional opened its Liga Pro season with a decisive 3-1 victory over visiting Aucas on Sunday, defying pregame projections.

Playing at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, the home side overcame Aucas being favored by statistical models. Andrés Mena opened the scoring for El Nacional in the 18th minute. Substitute Bruno Miranda equalized for Aucas in first-half stoppage time.

El Nacional reclaimed control after the break. Jeison Chala netted the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute, assisted by Carlos Rolón. Djorkaeff Reasco sealed the win with a late goal, assisted by Marco Montaño. Four yellow cards were issued in the match.

The result gives El Nacional a winning start to the domestic campaign, while Aucas begins with a loss.