In a recent match between Guayaquil City and Barcelona SC, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Christian Benítez stadium, tensions rose when César Farías, the coach of Barcelona SC, made critical remarks about the competitive approach of Guayaquil City. Farías's comments suggested that Guayaquil City needed to display consistent bravery and competitiveness not only at home but across all venues. Such statements were perceived as disrespectful by Pool Gavilánez, the head coach of Guayaquil City.

Gavilánez acknowledged Farías's respected career but found his remarks inappropriate, stating that Farías is not in a position to dictate how Guayaquil City should perform. In an interview, Gavilánez expressed both admiration for Farías's achievements in football and discomfort with his criticism, emphasizing the need for mutual respect among coaches. He stated, "I can admire him and respect him, but he cannot disrespect us; he was a bit out of line and needed to be put in his place."

This incident highlights not only the competitive dynamics between the two clubs but also the broader context of respect and professionalism within Ecuadorian football. As coaches, Gavilánez and Farías represent teams vying for success in the Liga Ecuabet, and such exchanges can influence team morale and public perception. Moving forward, how these coaches handle their differences will be essential in maintaining sportsmanship in the league.