LOJA, Ecuador (Interstat) — In a match that defied pregame projections and turned on an early dismissal, CA Libertad opened its Liga Pro campaign with a 2-1 victory over LDU Quito on Sunday at Estadio Federativo Reina del Cisne.

The contest, organized by Ecuador’s Liga Pro, was dramatically altered in the 28th minute when LDU Quito’s Leonel Quiñónez was shown a straight red card, forcing the visitors to play a man down for the remainder of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, LDU Quito struck first. Just moments after the sending off, Michael Estrada found the net in the 31st minute to stun the home crowd and give the shorthanded visitors an unexpected lead.

Libertad, however, capitalized on its extra man as the first half progressed. The home side drew level in the 38th minute when Orlín Quiñónez scored, making it 1-1 heading into halftime. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Libertad’s favor.

The second half saw Libertad control possession and create the more dangerous chances, but a decisive second goal proved elusive against a resilient LDU Quito defense that was organized under persistent pressure. The match grew increasingly tense, with three yellow cards issued in the second half. LDU Quito’s Gabriel Villamíl was booked in the 61st minute, followed by teammate Eber Caicedo in the 72nd. Libertad’s goal-scorer, Orlín Quiñónez, received a yellow in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

The victory improves Libertad’s record in the Liga Pro to one win and no losses to start the season, while LDU Quito begins its campaign with one loss and no wins. Across all competitions this season, Libertad now holds a record of three wins and one loss, building on recent form that included a 6-1 victory over Independiente Juniors on Sept. 27. LDU Quito’s overall record falls to no wins and one loss.

The outcome was a significant upset according to pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 win for LDU Quito, and its ELO system gave the visiting side a 72.6 percent probability of victory. Those forecasts were undone by the pivotal red card and Libertad’s subsequent ability to overturn an early deficit.

The match, played in Loja rather than at either club’s traditional home venue, provided a challenging start to the season for an LDU Quito side that was considered a favorite. For Libertad, the result offers a confident start to the domestic league season following its mixed results in other competitions.