Barcelona SC Falls to Argentinos Juniors in Copa Libertadores Clash

Quito, Ecuador – February 19, 2026 – Argentinos Juniors defeated Barcelona SC 1-0 in the first leg of the second stage of the Copa Libertadores, with a decisive goal from Diego Porcel in the 91st minute. The match, held at Estadio Banco Pichincha, leaves Barcelona SC facing an uphill battle in the return leg in Argentina.

Match Highlights

The game remained scoreless for much of the contest, with Barcelona SC struggling to capitalize on opportunities. A late red card to Argentinos Juniors’ Álvarez in the 64th minute offered Barcelona a man advantage, but they were unable to convert it into a goal. Porcel’s late strike ultimately secured the win for the visitors.

Key Moments

• 91’+1′ – GOAL: Diego Porcel scores for Argentinos Juniors.
• 64′ – RED CARD: Álvarez is sent off for Argentinos Juniors.
• 90’+4′ – Sergio Núñez (Barcelona SC) misses a header from the center of the box.
• 89′ – Porcel (Argentinos Juniors) hits the crossbar.

Lineups

Barcelona SC

Contreras, Castillo, Báez, Sosa, Perlaza, Quiñónez, Céliz, Villalba, Rojas, Martínez, Benedetto.

Argentinos Juniors

Cortés, Lozano, Álvarez, Godoy, Prieto, Fattori, Oroz, Lescano, López, Viveros, Molina.

Statistics

Barcelona SC and Argentinos Juniors displayed a relatively even contest in terms of possession and shots.

• Possession: Barcelona SC 40.2% – Argentinos Juniors 59.8%
• Shots on Goal: Barcelona SC 3 – Argentinos Juniors 1
• Shot Attempts: Barcelona SC 14 – Argentinos Juniors 9
• Yellow Cards: Barcelona SC 3 – Argentinos Juniors 2
• Corner Kicks: Barcelona SC 3 – Argentinos Juniors 2

What’s Next?

Barcelona SC will need to win the second leg in Argentina to advance in the Copa Libertadores. The return match is yet to be scheduled. This result puts significant pressure on César Farías’s side as they aim to progress in the competition.

Game Odds

According to OpenML, the odds favor Argentinos Juniors.

• Barcelona SC: +160 ML, +195 o1.5, +0.5 -200
• Argentinos Juniors: +2.5 -205, +155 u1.5, -0.5 +140
• Draw: +210, +205