The first Clásico del Astillero of the 2026 season has undergone a scheduling change, moving the match between Barcelona SC and Emelec to March 7. This adjustment was requested by Barcelona SC due to their commitments in the Copa Libertadores, a key international tournament. Initially set for March 8, the match time has been altered to 16:30 after consultations with the Liga Pro, following the announcement of match schedules for the next phase of the continental competition.

This shift is significant for Barcelona SC as they navigate a demanding calendar during the Libertadores' third phase, which is critical for securing a spot in the group stage. The reprogramming of the match not only allows for better recovery time for the players but also highlights the importance of balancing local league commitments with international aspirations. The team aims to perform well both in domestic and continental tournaments, making the timing of this match crucial for their overall strategy.

The rivalry between Barcelona SC (the toreros) and Emelec (the eléctricos) is one of the most anticipated events in Ecuadorian football, drawing considerable fanfare and attention. With this rescheduling, both teams will prepare for a high-stakes showdown, and the implications of this match will resonate throughout the remainder of the season as they vie for supremacy in both the Liga Ecuabet and the Copa Libertadores.