Barcelona SC and Universidad Católica set for decisive LigaPro clash in Quito

Barcelona SC will travel to Quito on 21 July 2026 to face Universidad Católica at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in the 21st round of Ecuador’s LigaPro. Barcelona sit third with 34 points, two points ahead of Católica, who are fourth with 32 points. Both clubs are within striking distance of the league leaders, Independiente del Valle.

Barcelona’s campaign has been hampered by an institutional crisis and two months of unpaid salaries, prompting coach César Farías to ask fans to stop criticism. The team relies on striker Darío Benedetto, the club’s top scorer with seven goals, and midfielder Jhonny Quiñónez. Universidad Católica, led by manager Diego Martínez, will look to the Uruguayan midfielder Mauricio Alonso, who scored a double in the club’s recent 2‑0 win over Deportivo Cuenca.

Barcelona defender Bryan Carabalí said the match will be “very difficult” and stressed the need for a win to stay in the race for the top spots. The encounter will be broadcast live on Zapping Sports+ Plus and is promoted as one of the key fixtures of the round, which also includes matches involving Independiente del Valle, Técnico Universitario and other league sides.