Universitario de Deportes delivered a major blow in the penultimate round of the Copa Libertadores group stage, defeating Barcelona SC of Ecuador 1-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima to move closer to the knockout stage.

The victory lifts Jorge Fossati’s side to second place in Group B with seven points, behind River Plate, who will face Independiente del Valle tomorrow.

The only goal of the match came in first-half stoppage time, when Alex Valera headed home a cross from Jairo Concha, igniting celebrations in a packed home stadium.

Universitario nearly opened the scoring early on when César Inga missed a clear chance from the edge of the box, and on the rebound, Valera’s header went wide of Víctor Mendoza's goal.

Both sides looked dangerous in the opening minutes, creating attacking plays and searching for the first goal.

Universitario captain Aldo Corzo appealed for a handball inside the box after a challenge from a Barcelona defender, but the referee waved play on.

For the visitors, Brian Oyola came close with a long-range shot that nearly caught Britos off his line, but the goalkeeper reacted in time to block the attempt.

In the second half, Aníbal Chalá had the clearest chances for Barcelona, but lacked the finishing touch. Caicedo also had two opportunities, but Britos denied both with solid saves.

Universitario, eager to seal the win, kept pressing with shots from Valera, Andy Polo, and Rivera, though all were stopped by Mendoza.

The final round of the group stage will be played on May 27. Universitario will face group leaders River Plate, while Barcelona SC will take on Independiente del Valle.