Universidad Catolica
- Universidad Catolica leads Copa Libertadores Group D on 7 points after 4 games.
- Universidad Catolica have not won in 2 Copa Libertadores home games so far (D1 L1).
- Daniel Garnero’s men have impressed so far in the competition, with a grinding home draw with Cruzeiro and an important 2-1 away win over Barcelona SC just two weeks ago putting them in a strong position in the group.
- Universidad Catolica have a solid base, a structured 4-man defense and balance, with the pace, width and collective organization to control the rhythm of games.
Barcelona SC Guayaquil
- Barcelona SC Guayaquil sits bottom of the group on 3 points from 4 games.
- Barcelona SC Guayaquil will try to pressure Universidad and catch them out in transition, and although they are perhaps a little less fluid in their play, Segundo Castillo’s team have been more adventurous in their approach since he took charge in June 2023.
- The Guayaquil-based outfit have been much more positive than their opponents this term, but they have also suffered more as a result, with a 3-0 home win over Aucas and a 1-0 away defeat to Independiente Del Valle their most recent results.
Head-to-Head
Universidad Catolica had an important 2-1 away win over Barcelona SC just two weeks ago.
Key Players
- Clemente Montes - Universidad’s Clemente Montes has the best chances of getting a goal with his one goal in 4 Copa Libertadores outings for the club this season.
- Hector Villalba - Hector Villalba is the most likely scorer for Barca with his solitary goal.
- Jhonny Quinonez - Jhonny Quinonez has been the orchestrator of his team’s play, with 1 assist in the group stage.
Prediction
- Universidad are the more likely to get the win here given their superior record in the group (7 points to Barcelona's 3 from 4 matches) and Barcelona's away record - they have yet to score or claim a point in their only Libertadores away game.
- With both sides likely to play with a clear game plan and high stakes, there is a good chance of this being a low-scoring game.
- The hosts should hold the visitors at bay and keep them off the scoresheet, so a Universidad win and both teams not to score is our main selection for this game.
