Barcelona Faces Universidad Católica in Key LigaPro Match

QUITO, Ecuador — Barcelona SC is set to visit Universidad Católica this Sunday, May 11, at 3:30 PM at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa. The match is part of the 12th round of LigaPro, Ecuador’s top football league.

Barcelona comes off a recent loss against Emelec at Estadio Monumental but has turned its focus to the domestic tournament, where it currently holds the top position. The team looks to secure a crucial win against Universidad Católica to maintain its lead.

Injuries continue to hinder the squad, as Mario Pineida and Álex Rangel have not recovered and are training separately. Joao Rojas is also undergoing rehabilitation. Head coach Segundo Castillo is pacing player workloads due to an upcoming key Copa Libertadores match against Universitario.

Despite these challenges, it is likely that Barcelona will stick to its established game plan when facing Universidad Católica. Securing points against this direct rival is essential for Barcelona to continue to have control over their standing in LigaPro.

The anticipated starting eleven for Barcelona includes José Contreras or Ignacio de Arruabarrena in goal; defenders Bryan Carabalí, Xavier Arreaga, Gustavo Vallecilla or Gastón Campi, and Aníbal Chalá; midfielders Jesús Trindade and Dixon Arroyo; and forwards Byron Castillo, Janner Corozo, Gabriel Cortez, and Octavio Rivero.