Universidad Católica is set to host Atlético Juventud from Uruguay on February 12 in Quito for the return match of the first qualifying phase of the Copa Libertadores 2026. The Ecuadorian team, coached by Diego Martínez, is coming into the match with a slight advantage after their recent victory over Juventud de Las Piedras, winning 1-0 in Montevideo. This puts them in a favorable position to advance to the next round of the prestigious South American tournament.

Atlético Juventud, also known as the 'pedrenses', is under the leadership of Argentine coach Sebastián Méndez and has had a tumultuous history in international competitions. They qualified for an international tournament for the second time last year, having previously participated in the Copa Sudamericana in 2015, where they were eliminated in the second round by Emelec from Ecuador. Their recent performance has been mixed, and the team will aim to turn their fortunes around against Universidad Católica.

This matchup is crucial for both teams, as advancing in the Copa Libertadores not only brings prestige but also significant financial benefits. For Universidad Católica, a strong performance at home could solidify their growing reputation in South American football, while for Juventud, it represents a chance to make their mark in an important tournament after struggling in previous years. The outcome of this match will likely impact both teams' trajectories in their respective leagues and future competitions.