Jonathan Gonzalez and Julio Eduardo Angulo both scored in the closing stages to clinch the win for Independiente after Deportivo Cuenca had equalised at 1-1 in the 82nd minute.
The victory took Independiente to 30 points and they moved above Catolica on goal difference after the latter were held to a scoreless draw at home by Deportivo Quito.
Independiente and Catolica trail the Primera A's leaders Emelec by three points after the Guayaquil-based club thrashed Macara 4-0.
El Nacional remain within touching distance of the top of the table as well after Marwin Pita's double saw the capital club overcome Manta 2-1.
The visitors were not finished, however, with Gonzalez scoring within a minute of Rios' spot-kick before Angulo capped off the victory for Independiente with his own penalty late in stoppage time.
Vinicio Angulo doubled Emelec's lead in the 59th minute before Stracqualursi completed his brace with 14 minutes remaining, while Marcos Caicedo completed the four-goal triumph with a strike in the final minute.
