Barcelona SC emerged victorious against Botafogo with a 1-0 win in Rio de Janeiro, securing their place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores 2026. This qualification marks them as the third Ecuadorian team to compete in the prestigious tournament, following Independiente del Valle and Liga de Quito, who have entered directly into the competition due to their performances in the domestic league. Independiente del Valle, as champions, and Liga de Quito, as runners-up of the Liga Ecuabet, solidify Ecuador's strong representation in South American football.

The Copa Libertadores is known for its competitive nature, and the draw for the group stage is scheduled for March 19 at 18:00 (Ecuador time) at the Confederação Sul-Americana de Futebol (Conmebol) headquarters in Luque, Paraguay. The draw will determine how the 32 participating teams are grouped, setting the stage for some exciting matches in the tournament. This event highlights the growing strength of Ecuadorian clubs in international football and their ability to compete against some of the best teams in South America.

Barcelona SC's journey to qualification included a challenging road, where they fought their way through the earlier stages of the tournament, defeating prominent teams like Argentinos Juniors before taking on Botafogo. Their performance not only reflects their talent but also the increasing competitiveness of Ecuadorian soccer on the continental stage, paving the way for future success and increased visibility in the region.