Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC welcome Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno to the Estadio Monumental for their final group fixture in the Copa Libertadores on Friday.

Neither team can progress to the knockout rounds, but a victory for either club will see them secure third spot and drop down into the Copa Sudamericana.

Match preview

Barcelona SC's Francisco Fydriszewski celebrates scoring their first goal on June 8, 2023 © Reuters

Since the resignation of head coach Fabian Bustos at the beginning of June, interim boss Pablo Trobbiani is yet to turn Barcelona's fortunes around, winning just one of his opening three games in charge.

The Bullfighters ended a four-game losing streak when they beat rivals Guayaquil City 2-1 away from home in the LigaPro first round on June 11, but they returned to losing ways eight days later when they suffered defeat by the same scoreline at home to Universidad Catolica.

Twelve months on from finishing top of the first-round table, Barcelona had to settle for fourth place this term after 15 matches, finishing eight points behind table-toppers Independiente del Valle. While kick-starting the second-round phase in positive fashion will be high on Trobbiani's agenda, the club's primary focus is now on securing third spot in Group C of the Copa Libertadores.

Indeed, finishing third will be enough for Barcelona or Friday's opponents Cerro Porteno to drop down into the Copa Sudamericana knockout rounds, with the two teams currently level on three points each heading into their final group fixture against each other – Barcelona require just a draw, though, to remain third as they boast a slightly better goal difference.

Trobbiani's side, who have lost three of their last five home matches in all competitions, will be seeking revenge against Cerro Porteno after losing 2-1 to the Paraguayan club in their opening group fixture in April.

Cerro Porteno coach Facundo Sava on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

Cerro Porteno's win over Barcelona was one of 10 wins in 13 games across all tournaments between the beginning of March and the end of April. However, Facundo Sava's side have since suffered a decline in form as they have won only two of their last 10 matches.

The Cyclone will have had a 19-day break from competitive action before they walk out at the Estadio Monumental on Friday, with their last match ending as a 2-2 draw with Tacuary in the Paraguayan Primera Division on June 11 – a game in which Damian Bobadilla netted an 80th-minute equaliser to rescue a point.

Cerro Portano, who ended the Apertura in second place, will be hoping to return to winning ways against Barcelona on Friday ahead of the Clausura beginning at the start of next month.

Sava, who briefly represented Fulham during his playing days, has failed to lead his side to victory in each of their last four away matches, while the Cyclone have also suffered defeat in both Copa Libertadores group-stage away meetings with Palmeiras and Bolivar this term. Cerro Portano can ill-afford to continue this winless run on the road if they wish to leapfrog Barcelona into third spot and seal their place in the Copa Sudamericana.

Barcelona SC Copa Libertadores form:

Barcelona SC form (all competitions):

Cerro Porteno Copa Libertadores form:

Cerro Porteno form (all competitions):

Team News

Cerro Porteno's Damian Bobadilla celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on May 4, 2023 © Reuters

Barcelona midfielder Luis Arce remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, but Leonai is available for selection despite receiving two yellow cards in the LigaPro defeat to Universidad last time out.

Trobbiani will ponder whether to select either Carlos Rodriguez or Joshue Quinonez at centre-back alongside Luca Sosa, while Victor Mendoza may be recalled to start in goal at the expense of Javier Burrai.

Francisco Fydriszewski, who scored a brace in the 4-2 group-stage loss to Palmeiras earlier this month, is set to lead the line, with captain Damian Diaz operating just behind in the number 10 role.

As for Cerro Portano, Gabriel Baez is available for selection after serving a one-match continental ban against Bolivar in matchday five, and the left-back is expected to start ahead of Daniel Rivas.

Diego Churin and Claudio Aquino both scored and assisted each other in the group-stage win over Barcelona in matchday one, and the attacking duo could continue in the starting lineup on Friday.

Barcelona SC possible starting lineup:
Mendoza; Pineida, Rodriquez, Sosa, Portocerrero; Gaibor, Leonai; Ortiz, Diaz, Corozo; Fydriszewski

Cerro Porteno possible starting lineup:
Jean; Espinola, Alvarez, Da Motta, Baez; Bobadilla, Lucena, Viera; Carrizo, Churin, Aquino

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We say: Barcelona SC 1-2 Cerro Porteno

Neither team enters Friday's contest with strong form under their belts, but they will be motivated to claim all three points in Guayaquil and continue their continental journey in the Copa Sudamericana.

Cerro Portano got the better of Barcelona in April, and they may just have the edge to claim another victory and leapfrog their opponents into third spot.

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Top tip

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