A heavyweight Copa Libertadores showdown

The Copa Libertadores qualifying phase reaches a finale with a heavyweight clash between Barcelona SC and Botafogo

The 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage is so near for eight top South American teams, but at the same time it is so far. The 2026 qualifying stage begins its third and final two-legged round live on Tuesday on beIN SPORTS and the evening features a truly heavyweight matchup.

The 2024 Copa Libertadores winners and two-times runners are in action as Botafogo and Barcelona SC go head-to-head over two games. The first leg will be taking place in Barcelona's Estadio Monumental in Ecuador. Both teams were in last year's Copa Libertadores group stages, but only one will clinch that prize this time.

Botafogo’s experience in qualifying battles

The qualifying stages are very familiar to Botafogo with the Brazilian club going through the experience six times in its history and succeeding on each occasion. However, Botafogo's form has not been strong in the early days of its season. The team went through in the last preliminary round with a narrow 2-1 aggregate win over Nacional Potosi. Botafogo has just three points from three at the beginning of Brazil's Serie A season.

Barcelona SC’s resilience under pressure

Barcelona SC had an even narrower passage to the final Copa Libertadores qualifying round, needing penalties against Argentina Juniors to set up the showdown with Botafogo. However, the Ecuadorians also have a fine record when it comes to delivering in the qualifying rounds. Of the nine times Barcelona SC has been through the process, the club has passed through on eight.

Two giants, one place

Over the next two Tuesday's on beIN SPORTS, two giants of South American soccer will go head-to-head to fight for one place in hunt for Eternal Glory.

Match Details

Tuesday March 3rd
7:20PM ET / 4:20PM PT
Barcelona SC vs. Botafogo – live on beIN SPORTS

📺 Watch it live on beIN SPORTS and stream on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.