Barcelona SC fights for hexagonal place against Aucas

Barcelona SC faces Aucas on Sunday in a decisive Liga Pro fixture, with the battle for places in Ecuador’s final hexagonal intensifying. The match in the 29th round is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Barcelona arrives with momentum after coming from behind to beat Independiente del Valle 2-1 at the Monumental stadium. Carlos González put the visitors ahead, but Jefferson Wila and Darío Benedetto turned the match around. The result ended the league leader’s 17-match unbeaten run.

The match also marked the return of Damián “Kitu” Díaz, who started and played 88 minutes. Coach Pablo Trobbiani’s side will try to carry that momentum into the visit to Aucas.

Barcelona has 42 points, while Liga de Quito moved to 45 after beating Técnico Universitario 3-1 on Friday. Aucas has 48 points and shares second place with Macará. The club is also seeking one of the best finishes in its history, with a direct place in the 2027 Copa Libertadores as an additional incentive for ending the season second.

Independiente del Valle remains far ahead in first place with 71 points, 23 more than its closest challengers, and is the leading candidate for the championship. Aucas-Barcelona will be played simultaneously with Deportivo Cuenca against Libertad. The 29th round concludes Monday with Emelec against Manta, Orense against Guayaquil City and Mushuc Runa against Leones del Norte.