The 2026 LigaPro regular season concluded on September 14, locking the bottom six—Mushuc Runa (38 points), Deportivo Cuenca (36), Orense (33), Técnico Universitario (32), Delfín (28), and Manta FC (21)—into the relegation hexagonal that begins September 20. Points and goal differences carry over into the 10-match group stage ending in mid-December, where the two lowest finishers drop to Serie B. Manta FC enters as the clearest underdog after a -25 goal difference, while Delfín and Técnico Universitario face pressure from poor recent results. Mushuc Runa and Deportivo Cuenca hold relative advantages from higher starting tallies and stronger first-stage form. Fixture congestion, travel, and late injuries will shape the final standings in this tightly contested survival battle.