Barcelona SC faces a tough challenge on Thursday, July 24, as they host Liga de Quito, the reigning national champions, at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha for the 22nd round of the Liga Ecuabet. Currently, Barcelona SC is actively striving to reclaim the top spot in the Ecuadorian championship, held by Independiente del Valle, who has a 5-point lead with 38 points.
Ismael Rescalvo, the coach of Barcelona SC, has previously faced Liga de Quito during his tenure at Independiente del Valle and Emelec. However, his record against the capital team has been challenging, with more losses than victories. To date, he averages 1.18 points per match against Liga, having collected three wins, four draws, and four losses over 11 encounters, all documented by Transfermarkt.
If Rescalvo manages to secure a victory in this upcoming match, his average points per game would rise to 1.33, potentially leveling his record against the team. It’s noteworthy that the last time Rescalvo claimed victory over Liga de Quito was more than three years ago, when he was managing Emelec. On April 2, 2022, Emelec won 2-0, showcasing a strategy that could be mirrored in the upcoming match, utilizing a 4-4-2 formation with attackers Miguel Parrales and Felipe Caicedo.
This match not only represents a critical moment for Barcelona SC to gain momentum in the league but also an opportunity for Rescalvo to turn around his history against a formidable opponent. The matchup promises to be an exciting contest in the Ecuadorian football landscape, underscoring the passion and competitiveness of the league.