Live! Juventud vs. Universidad Católica in the Copa Libertadores on beIN SPORTS

The Centenario gets ready for a historic Libertadores night

The Estadio Centenario in Montevideo will host a special occasion as Juventud de Las Piedras face Universidad Católica of Ecuador in the first leg of First Leg of the Copa Libertadores. It will be the official debut of the Uruguayan side in South America’s top club competition, a milestone that marks a turning point in the club’s history.

Juventud become the first Uruguayan team to take the stage in this edition of the tournament, carrying high expectations and strong support from their fans. According to sources close to the club, the debut is not only a sporting challenge but also a statement of ambition following their recent institutional transformation.

Juventud: investment, reinforcements and the dream of breaking a bad streak

Coached by Sebastián Méndez, Juventud reach this stage after an outstanding 2025 season, finishing fourth in the overall standings. Backed by significant investment following their conversion into a sports corporation in 2024, the club built a squad far removed from the usual profile of a tournament debutant.

Key additions include experienced defender Martín Cáceres, along with Fernando Mimbacas and Alejo Cruz, complemented by renewed leaders such as Agustín Rodríguez, Emmanuel Mas, Iván Rossi, and goalkeeper Sebastián Sosa. The goal is clear: to break an unfavorable trend, as no Uruguayan club has advanced from the preliminary rounds to the group stage of the Libertadores since 2017.

Universidad Católica: continental experience and quiet favoritism

Standing in their way is a Universidad Católica side with greater continental experience and a well-established international identity. The Ecuadorian club earned their place in this phase after being crowned 2025 Copa Ecuador champions, a triumph that once again put them on the continental map.

Managed by Diego Martínez, the Quito-based team approach the tie aiming to surpass their best-ever Libertadores performance, having never progressed beyond Phase 3. According to reports close to the club, La Chatoleí arrive with a full squad available and will rely on their attacking philosophy, led by Azarías Londoño, José Fajardo, and Everardo Rose.

Match keys and what’s at stake in the first leg

The matchup promises a clash of styles: Juventud will look to impose intensity and make home advantage count, while Universidad Católica aim to strike away from home to take control of the series before the return leg in Ecuador.

The match corresponds to the Copa Libertadores First Phase – First Leg and will be officiated by Gery Anthony Vargas Carreño (Bolivia). Beyond the scoreline, much more is at stake: history, prestige, and the chance to keep dreaming in South America’s most important club competition.

WATCH beIN SPORTS XTRA LIVE FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE