SANGOLQUI, Ecuador (Interstat) — Ronald Briones scored in the 41st minute Sunday, lifting Independiente del Valle to a 1-0 victory over Barcelona SC in a Liga Pro match at Estadio Banco Guayaquil.

The home side’s decisive play came just before halftime, with Briones finishing after a buildup that included Mateo Carabajal. The result defied pregame projections that favored the visiting Barcelona side.

The match grew contentious in the second half, featuring six yellow cards. Barcelona substitute Xavier Arreaga received a red card in the 75th minute, reducing his side to 10 men as it sought an equalizer.

The win gives Independiente del Valle a perfect start to its domestic campaign, while Barcelona begins its season with a defeat.