Barcelona SC is aiming to secure a spot in the next Copa Libertadores as they continue their pursuit in the LigaPro’s first hexagonal. Although still mathematically in contention for the championship, the team has faced challenges in their initial matches. Currently holding the second position, Barcelona will have a pivotal encounter this Sunday against Universidad Católica, where coach Ismael Rescalvo made a surprising decision regarding the squad selection.
Argentinian winger Braian Oyola will not be included in the matchday squad for tactical reasons. Previously with Delfín, Oyola has struggled to find consistent playing time this season and has recently fallen out of favor with the coach, even though he had not yet been excluded from the bench until now.
In the first two matches of the hexagonal, Oyola remained an unused substitute during losses to Independiente del Valle and Liga de Quito. He only made a brief appearance in last week’s 1-0 victory over Libertad, playing just one minute. This upcoming match against Universidad Católica will see him watching from the stands.
Coach Rescalvo’s decision is believed to be purely tactical, aligning with Oyola’s limited impact on the field in recent games. In his absence, players like Joao Rojas, Janner Corozo, Jandry Gómez, and Johan García have been called up to fill the gap and provide necessary attributes lost due to Oyola’s omission.
The clash between Universidad Católica and Barcelona SC will kick off on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 18:00 in the Estadio Banco Guayaquil, Quito, Ecuador. Fans can catch the live broadcast on El Canal del Fútbol and Zapping, with minute-by-minute coverage available on the Olé website. The officiating team includes referee Augusto Bergelio Aragón Bautista and assistants Christian Daniel Lescano Guerrero and Juan Pablo Infante Jumbo, alongside VAR support from Roddy Alberto Zambrano Olmedo.
This match represents a crucial opportunity for Barcelona to maintain their position in the league and build momentum as they eye their goal of Libertadores qualification.