Barcelona Gears Up for Key Match Against Mushuc Runa

QUITO, Ecuador — Barcelona SC will host Mushuc Runa on February 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in a crucial fixture for the domestic league. Coming off a strong start to the season, Barcelona seeks to maintain momentum as they navigate both local and continental competitions.

The team, nicknamed El Ídolo, began their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 away victory against Delfín and followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win over El Nacional in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores phase 2 on Wednesday. With this solid performance, head coach Segundo Alejandro Castillo aims to keep the winning streak alive.

However, Castillo acknowledges the importance of balancing player fitness with the demands of upcoming matches. “We are focused on our next game, but we need to be smart about player rotations, especially with our Libertadores match next week,” he noted during a press conference.

In preparation for the clash against Mushuc Runa, there are expected changes in the lineup. Key players Bryan Carabalí and Gustavo Vallecilla are likely to sit out, making way for Byron Castillo and Gastón Campi to take their places on the field. Additionally, Joaquín Valiente is set to start, while Braian Oyola will not see any minutes.

Barcelona will temporarily remain without Jesus Trindade, Felipe Caicedo, and Joao Rojas due to injuries. Rojas is recovering from recent surgery performed in Uruguay. The anticipated starting eleven for this weekend’s match against Mushuc Runa includes: José David Contreras; Byron Castillo, Alex Rangel, Gastón Campi, Mario Pineida; Leonai Souza, Jhonny Quiñónez; Janner Corozo, Joaquín Valiente, Gabriel Cortez, and Octavio Rivero.