Barcelona will visit Manta FC on Saturday 29 August at 19:00 in the vigesimoséptima jornada of LigaPro Serie A 2026, and Damián Díaz is listed as a possible return to the squad for the trip to the Costa. The midfielder's presence adds another layer to a match that matters for both ends of the table.
For Barcelona, the assignment comes with a clear target: three points to stay firm in the fight for the top positions. For Manta FC, the need is just as immediate, with points required to move away from the relegation zone in the closing dates of the tournament.
Recent form for both sides
Barcelona arrives after a 3-0 win over Orense in Guayaquil, a result that helped keep its league push on track. Manta FC, meanwhile, comes in after a 5-1 loss to Universidad Católica at the Olímpico Atahualpa, leaving the club with work to do as the regular season reaches its final stretch.
Díaz's return has extra context as well. His last visit to the Jocay wearing Barcelona's shirt took place in previous competitions, and his return was official until December 2027. That makes his possible inclusion for this trip a notable development as Barcelona prepares for another key away fixture.
The match at estadio Jocay is not only important because of the table situation, but also because it comes at a stage of the season when every result can change the outlook quickly. Barcelona and Manta FC both have pressure on them, but for different reasons, and Saturday night in Manabí will offer a clearer picture of where each team stands.
