Barcelona SC took a huge step toward the Copa Libertadores group stage with a dominant 3-0 win over Corinthians in the first leg of their qualifier on Wednesday. The decisive second leg will take place next week in São Paulo.

The Ecuadorian side cruised to victory with a brace from Janner Corozo and a goal from Uruguayan striker Octavio Rivero, in a match where everything went their way. Meanwhile, Corinthians looked out of sorts, unable to find any rhythm—even Memphis Depay struggled to make an impact.

Total Control Against a Helpless Opponent

Heavy rain in Guayaquil left the pitch in rough condition—so much so that the Corinthians locker room was even affected—but that didn’t stop Barcelona SC from dictating the tempo. With relentless pressing, crisp passing, and lethal finishing, the Ecuadorians dismantled the visitors' defense, limiting them to a few weak counterattacks.

The breakthrough came when João Pedro conceded a penalty after a lightning-fast run down the right by Bryan Carabalí. Corozo stepped up and converted with confidence. In the second half, Corinthians' Argentine coach Ramón Díaz tried to shake things up, bringing on André Ramalho and André Carrillo, but the script didn’t change. Depay had the Brazilian side’s best chance, but Venezuelan goalkeeper José David Contreras denied him with a solid save.

Barcelona SC doubled their lead with a beautiful team move: Carabalí played it to Gabriel Cortéz, who set up Rivero with a pinpoint header. With Corinthians already deflated, Corozo sealed the 3-0 win, pouncing on a rebound after a save from Hugo Souza. To cap off the night, Felipe Caicedo made his official debut for Barcelona SC at 36 years old, returning to action after nearly a year and a half away from the pitch.