Católica and Cerro Largo Clash in Quito With Sudamericana Stakes Rising

Universidad Católica of Ecuador hosts Uruguay’s Cerro Largo this Thursday in a crucial Group B match of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana, according to reports from ESPN and La Diaria. The game is set for 11:00 PM (Argentina, Uruguay) at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito.

Both sides opened their Sudamericana campaigns with draws: Católica secured a valuable 1-1 result in Brazil against Vitória, while Cerro Largo played out a goalless draw at home versus Defensa y Justicia. With the group standings still wide open, the Ecuadorians aim to take full advantage of their home altitude to earn a vital win. Diego Martínez’s squad enters the match on the back of a 1-0 domestic league victory over Macará, boosting morale and momentum.

Cerro Largo, meanwhile, travels to Quito following a heavy 4-0 defeat to Nacional in the Uruguayan league. Coach Danielo Núñez is expected to rely on key players like goalkeeper Gino Santilli and forward Facundo Peraza as the club seeks to make a statement on the road.

This fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in an international competition. Leading the officiating team is Peruvian referee Michael Espinoza, with an all-Peruvian VAR crew. With both teams eager to claim their first group win, the match promises intensity and high stakes at the high-altitude venue in Quito.