Deportivo Cuenca will play their first home match of the Liga Ecuabet 2026 season against Barcelona SC on March 1, at 17:00 in the Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium. After starting the tournament with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Delfín, the team under coach Jorge Célico is eager to secure a win at home. The upcoming match is particularly important as Cuenca is also prepping for an international match against Libertad in the Copa Sudamericana just a few days later, a game that will now take place in their home stadium following the recent approval of stadium lighting by Conmebol.

On the other hand, Barcelona SC arrives at the match with positive momentum, having won their previous game against Técnico Universitario, also by a score of 1-0, thanks to a goal by Darío Benedetto. Additionally, Barcelona is coming off a successful campaign in the Copa Libertadores, where they advanced past Argentinos Juniors after a penalty shootout. This sets up a thrilling contest as both teams aim to build on their respective performances in the early stages of the season.

The match not only serves as a crucial point for Deportivo Cuenca to bounce back after an initial loss but also highlights the competitive nature of Ecuadorian football, with both teams looking to establish themselves early in the league. Fans can expect an exciting atmosphere as the home crowd will rally behind Cuenca in their efforts to secure their first points of the season, while Barcelona SC will seek to maintain their winning streak and build on their recent success in both national and international competitions.