LigaPro 2026: Independiente del Valle leads title race

The Ecuadorian LigaPro is entering its final stage of the initial phase, determining the participants for the upcoming championship hexagonal, the international qualification quadrangular, and the relegation hexagonal. Independiente del Valle leads the standings with 71 points and has secured a spot in the title hexagonal. Other teams already qualified for the title phase include Aucas, Universidad Católica, Macará, and Liga de Quito.

Barcelona SC and Libertad are currently competing for the sixth and final spot in the championship hexagonal. Barcelona SC holds 43 points compared to Libertad's 41, making their upcoming match against Delfín critical for their positioning.

In club news, Independiente del Valle has sold 18-year-old striker Juan Riquelme Angulo to English side Sunderland for 5.8 million euros. The transfer follows the club's recent trend of developing high-profile talent for European markets, including players like Moisés Caicedo and Willian Pacho.