Orense will face Macará in a crucial match for the advancement to the first phase of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, taking place on March 5, 2026, at the Estadio 9 de Mayo in Machala. Orense has started their Liga Ecuabet season poorly, suffering a 1-2 loss against Liga de Quito in their opener and managing only a 1-1 draw against Técnico Universitario in their second match. This context adds pressure on them to perform well in this upcoming tournament.

On the other hand, Macará enters the match with a boost of confidence after a convincing 2-0 victory over Liga de Quito, thanks to goals from Federico Paz and Franco Posse. Their strong performance in the league, including a goalless draw against Leones FC, has set a positive tone for their campaign. This will be Macará's third outing in the Sudamericana, having previously achieved three wins, one draw, and two losses in six matches.

As the teams prepare to square off, this matchup is significant not only for their ambitions in the Copa Sudamericana but also for their morale in the national league, especially for Orense, who needs to rebound from their early setbacks. The outcome could greatly influence the direction of both teams' seasons, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and stakeholders alike.