barcelona sc - argentinos jrs.: match preview, kickoff time and how to watch the Copa Libertadores tie
Barcelona SC hosts Argentinos Juniors in the first leg of Fase 2 of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Kickoff at the Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil is scheduled for 7: 30 PM ET. The tie serves as the official season debut for Barcelona under new boss César Farías, while Argentinos arrive with competitive minutes already under their belt.
Teams, tactics and confirmed XI
Barcelona SC opens its continental campaign after closing preseason with momentum from a local friendly in Quito, where Sergio Núñez scored the decisive goal. Forward Darío Benedetto featured in that match and is expected to lead the attack as one of Barcelona’s primary offensive options. Farías will look to blend new signings with the club’s established core as he chases a home advantage to take to Buenos Aires for the second leg.
Argentinos Juniors travel with a coherent defensive setup and the rhythm of league competition. The coach has chosen a lineup that balances experience and youth: a backline and midfield designed to protect the flanks and allow quick transitions to the front three. The visiting projected starters include Brayan Cortés in goal; a defensive quartet with Leandro Lozano among the starters; a midfield anchored by Federico Fattori and Nicolás Oroz; and an attack led by Tomás Molina and Emiliano Viveros. That XI underlines a pragmatic plan to keep the tie tight on the road while hunting for a decisive away goal.
Match context, officials and what’s at stake
The winner of this two-legged tie will advance toward the third phase of the Copa Libertadores qualifying bracket and will be slated to face the victor of the matchup between Botafogo and Nacional Potosí. That makes this first leg crucial: Barcelona will aim to secure a lead at home, while Argentinos will seek a result that keeps the tie alive ahead of the return fixture in La Paternal on the following Wednesday at 9: 30 PM ET.
The referee appointed for the match is Fernando Vejar, with Nicolás Millas set to operate as the VAR official. Discipline and game management will be factors in a contest likely to be tightly contested early on, with both coaches prioritizing structure and minimizing mistakes in transition.
How to watch and live coverage
The match will be available on television and through major streaming services in participating countries. Look for regional sports broadcasters and subscription streaming platforms carrying live coverage of Copa Libertadores fixtures. Kickoff is set for 7: 30 PM ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026; kickoff in Buenos Aires corresponds to 9: 30 PM local time for the visitors.
For fans seeking minute-by-minute updates, live commentary and postmatch analysis, follow real-time feeds and social coverage dedicated to the competition. Expect previews, starting lineups, and halftime summaries to appear across match-day content channels as teams prepare for the return leg one week later.
With both sides aiming to secure momentum early in the continental calendar, this tie promises tactical intensity and high stakes: Barcelona SC wants a strong home statement under a new manager, while Argentinos Juniors hope to translate league form into a positive result on the road.
