Barcelona SC Faces Universidad Católica in Crucial Match for Libertadores Qualification

QUITO, Ecuador — Barcelona Sporting Club aims to overcome financial troubles ahead of their critical match against Universidad Católica on November 2, 2025, in the Liga Ecuabet’s hexagonal stage.

The team, known as the toreros, had a turbulent week where they protested non-payment by management, causing them to skip training on October 30. Nevertheless, an agreement was reached, and training resumed the following day.

With Independiente del Valle leading the standings and the title race nearly out of reach, the focus has shifted for both teams to secure a place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. “We need to put aside these financial issues and perform on the field,” said coach Ismael Rescalvo.

Barcelona SC will welcome back Uruguayan forward Octavio Rivero, who was expelled in their first hexagonal match. On the other hand, Universidad Católica will be without Álex Rodríguez, who received a red card in a previous match.

The upcoming match will be held at the Banco Guayaquil Stadium, starting at 18:00. Fans expect an intense battle, as both teams are eyeing the Libertadores spot.

Possible lineups for the match include:

Universidad Católica: Rafael Romo; Gregory Anangonó, Luis Cangá, John Chancellor, Eddie Mejía; Daniel Clavijo, Jerónimo Cacciabue, Mauro Díaz, Azarías Londoño; José Fajardo and Mauricio Alonso.

Barcelona SC: Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Bryan Carabalí, Xavier Arreaga, Gastón Campi, Gustavo Vallecilla; Jean Carlo Montaño, Johnny Quiñónez, Leonai Souza, Joao Rojas, Janner Corozo, and Octavio Rivero.