Barcelona vs Cruzeiro
Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha
J. Benitez
2026
Match Report
Cruzeiro earned a statement away victory at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil, beating Barcelona SC 1-0 in their Group D opener of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The solitary goal — a precisely placed header early in the second half — proved the difference in a tight, hard-fought contest.
Matheus Pereira was the hero, climbing to meet a Fagner cross and directing a header into the net on the 52nd minute. Barcelona SC pushed back immediately — Luis Cano went agonizingly wide three minutes later — and Darío Benedetto had already gone close with a header on the stroke of halftime. The hosts battled through five minutes of added time but lacked the cutting edge to level.
For Cruzeiro, the three points are a confidence-boosting start after a turbulent domestic spell. Barcelona SC, who impressed in qualifying by eliminating Argentinos Juniors and defending champion Botafogo, now sit without a point and must regroup before a daunting trip to face Boca Juniors.
Match Events
53'
64'
69'
71'
71'
74'
79'
80'
86'
90+6'
53'
64'
69'
71'
71'
74'
79'
80'
86'
90+6'
Standings
| # | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Cruzeiro | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Barcelona | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Statistics
55%Possession45%
18Shots5
2Shots on Target3
5Corners0
16Fouls12
4Offsides2
1Yellow Cards2
365Passes320
2Saves2
Head to Head
0
Barcelona wins
0
Draws
1
Cruzeiro wins
Goals: 0 - 1

