Clásico del Astillero: Barcelona Top, Emelec Struggling as Both Coaches Face Scrutiny

Matchday 13 of Ecuador's Liga Pro will be headlined by the Clásico del Astillero, as Barcelona SC and Emelec clash once again in Guayaquil’s most heated rivalry. According to Infobae, both sides enter the fixture under vastly different circumstances, but with similar managerial pressure looming.

Barcelona sit atop the league table with 25 points, just ahead of Independiente del Valle. Yet head coach Segundo Castillo is under fire after three straight Copa Libertadores defeats. A loss to their archrival on Sunday could seal his fate.

Meanwhile, Emelec find themselves battling relegation. With 13 points, they sit 12th, a single point above the danger zone. Argentine coach Jorge Célico has earned seven points in the last five games, but reports suggest his tenure would end with a loss in the derby.

The Clásico will be played on Sunday, May 18. Other notable Matchday 13 fixtures include Independiente del Valle facing Vinotinto, hoping to reclaim top spot, and Liga de Quito hosting Libertad on Monday. Mushuc Runa and Universidad Católica, both alive in the Copa Sudamericana, also return to domestic action in a crucial weekend for Ecuadorian football.