Independiente del Valle Prepares for Clash Against Universidad Católica This Weekend

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Independiente del Valle will face Universidad Católica this Saturday, November 8, at 4:30 p.m. at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil for the fifth round of the Liga Ecuabet hexagonal.

After recently being eliminated from the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, the team is focused on securing three crucial points following a victory against Libertad last Monday. The team is determined to get closer to the title.

Juan Cazares is the only player out due to injury, while the rest of the squad is fit for head coach Javier Rabanal. Guido Villar will be in goal, with Richard Schunke and Mateo Carabajal forming the central defense. Midfield will see Patrik Mercado partnering with Darwin Guagua, with a potential starting spot still uncertain between Junior Sornoza or Justin Lerma. The forward line is set to include Renato Ibarra and Claudio Spinelli.

The expected lineup for Independiente del Valle against Universidad Católica includes Guido Villar; Matías Fernández, Mateo Carabajal, Richard Schunke, Gustavo Cortez; Jordy Alcívar, Darwin Guagua, Patrik Mercado, and Justin Lerma or Junior Sornoza; alongside Renato Ibarra and Claudio Spinelli.

With this match, both teams are eager to enhance their standings in the competitive league.