The preliminary phase of the Copa Sudamericana is set to kick off next week, featuring Ecuadorian teams eager to secure a spot in this international competition. Deportivo Cuenca, Macará, Libertad FC, and Orense SC are the four Ecuadorian clubs that will participate in this initial round of the tournament. Matches will occur in various stadiums, with each team vying for advancement to the next stage.

On Wednesday, March 4th, Deportivo Cuenca will play against their rivals from Loja, the 'morlacos' hosting the match at the Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium at 21:00. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to assert their presence in the Copa Sudamericana. The result could have significant implications for their respective seasons and overall standings in Ecuadorian football.

The following day, on Thursday, at the Estadio 9 de Mayo in Machala, Orense SC will take on Macará, also scheduled for 21:00. This encounter further highlights the importance of this preliminary phase as clubs will not only compete for a spot in the tournament but also seek to build momentum in their domestic league performance. The Copa Sudamericana provided an avenue for Ecuadorian teams to gain international experience and improve their profiles in regional football.