Barcelona cling to slim Libertadores chance against Independiente del Valle

Barcelona de Guayaquil will try to keep their 2027 Copa Libertadores hopes alive when they face Ecuador’s likely champions, Independiente del Valle, on Wednesday.

The contrast between the teams is stark. Independiente del Valle are enjoying one of their strongest seasons and lead the standings with 68 points. Barcelona, Ecuador’s most successful domestic club with 16 league titles, have struggled by comparison and sit sixth on 39 points.

Both teams enter the match looking to recover from disappointing results. Independiente surrendered a 2-0 lead against Universidad Católica to draw 2-2, missing the chance to set a national record with 12 consecutive wins. Barcelona suffered an even more damaging setback, losing 2-0 to last-placed Manta.

The 28th round also features a meeting between second-placed Aucas, on 47 points, and Universidad Católica, who could reach the same total with a victory. Macará, third on 45 points, face Manta and will rely on tournament top scorer Franco Posse and Agustín Campana, who scored in their latest away win over Orense.

Macará have built one of the league’s more stable squads under Uruguayan coach Guillermo Sanguinetti, who assembled the team’s playing approach last season. Other matches include Delfín against Técnico Universitario, Liga de Quito against Mushuc Runa, Deportivo Cuenca against Guayaquil City, and fixtures involving Leones del Norte, Orense, Libertad and Emelec.