With the home advantage, Uruguay quickly attacked. In the 12th minute, Valverde took a dangerous free kick and only the brilliance of goalkeeper Galindez helped Ecuador avoid conceding a goal. Just a few minutes later, former MU star Pellistri shot wide in a face-to-face position with the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.

In the second half, Uruguay continued to dominate the game. However, Nunez and his teammates still lacked the coolness in finishing.

At the end of the match, Ugarte, a midfielder playing for MU, was injured and asked to be substituted.

With this result, Uruguay has gone 4 matches without a win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s team is still in third place with 16 points, but they have been caught up by Brazil in points and only have a better goal difference (+7 compared to +6).