Barcelona SC suffered a disappointing start in the Copa Libertadores, losing 0-1 to Argentinos Juniors at the Monumental Stadium. This defeat has placed the Ecuadorian team in a precarious situation, as they must now travel to Buenos Aires to reverse their fortunes. To remain in contention, Barcelona SC must secure a win; if they win by a single goal, the match will be decided through penalties. However, to guarantee direct advancement to the next round, they will need a victory by two or more goals. Any further losses or a draw will eliminate them from the continental tournament, highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming match.

In addition to the challenges faced by the team, the article also touches upon the political landscape within the Ecuadorian football community. Francisco Egas, the current president of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), has announced his candidacy for re-election. This announcement comes amid ongoing electoral processes that are set to shape the future of Ecuadorian football. Egas has expressed confidence in his support, claiming that 78% of the electoral roster backs his potential continuation in the role.

As Barcelona SC prepares for a make-or-break match, the developments surrounding Egas's candidacy also reflect broader issues within Ecuadorian sports governance. The outcomes of both the Copa Libertadores for Barcelona and the elections for Egas could have significant implications for the future of football in Ecuador, impacting both the performance of its clubs on the international stage and the direction of the national federation.