**Manta FC sits last in the 2026 LigaPro Serie A first stage with just 20 points and a -24 goal difference after 28 matches, placing it firmly in the relegation hexagonal alongside Delfín (27 points), Técnico Universitario (29 points), Orense (30 points), Deportivo Cuenca (35 points), and Emelec (36 points).** The bottom six carry their records into the six-team relegation playoff group that begins September 20, where the two lowest finishers drop to Serie B. Manta’s poor results and goal difference give it the weakest position entering the additional matches, while Delfín and Técnico Universitario face similar pressure to improve form and results in the hexagonal to avoid the drop. The structure rewards recent performance and points accumulation among the group, with historical patterns showing that teams entering with the fewest points often struggle to climb out.