MALACATÁN, Guatemala (Interstat) — Mixco secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Malacateco on the road Saturday in a Liga Nacional match at Estadio Municipal Santa Lucía, defying both a recent head-to-head trend and pregame statistical projections.

The result continued Mixco’s strong form in the domestic league, solidifying a successful campaign. The visitors entered the match with a robust record and left with another three points after navigating a match that featured a flurry of second-half goals.

The first half was a tense, defensive affair with neither side able to break through. The deadlock was finally shattered in the 37th minute when Mixco’s Ángel López found the net, giving the visiting side a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The match exploded early in the second half with two goals in a five-minute span. Mixco doubled its advantage in the 51st minute through a goal from Edilson Reyes, seemingly putting the game out of reach. Malacateco, however, responded almost immediately. Nicolas Martinez pulled a goal back for the home side just five minutes later in the 56th minute, setting up a frantic final half-hour.

Despite sustained pressure from Malacateco in search of an equalizer, the Mixco defense held firm to preserve the narrow lead and secure all three points. The victory allowed Mixco to maintain its positive momentum in the competition.

The outcome was notable given the recent history between the two clubs. In their two most recent meetings, the home team had emerged victorious, including a 4-1 Mixco win in October. This time, Mixco managed to reverse the pattern by winning on Malacateco’s home field.

Pregame analytics from Interstat had heavily favored Malacateco, projecting them with a high probability to win and simulating a 1-1 draw. Mixco’s performance on the field rendered those projections inaccurate, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the fixture.

With the win, Mixco continues a season that has been marked by consistency. The team has proven difficult to beat and effective in securing results. Malacateco, meanwhile, was left to rue missed opportunities as its search for a more stable footing in the league table continues.

Mixco will look to carry this momentum into its next Liga Nacional fixture, a home match against Achuapa on Wednesday. Malacateco will aim to rebound quickly, traveling to face Mictlan also on Wednesday. The league schedule continues apace as the season progresses toward its climax.