Taking advantage of playing at home, Uruguay launched a quick attack. In the 12th minute, Valverde’s dangerous free kick was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Galindez, preventing Ecuador from conceding.

Just minutes later, former Manchester United player Pellistri missed the target in a one-on-one situation with Ecuador’s keeper.

In the second half, Uruguay maintained their dominance, but Nunez and his teammates still lacked composure in front of goal.

Late in the game, Ugarte, a midfielder currently with Manchester United, picked up an injury and requested a substitution.

With this result, Uruguay has now gone four matches without a win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for South America.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team remains in third place with 16 points, but they have been caught by Brazil on points and only lead on goal difference (+7 compared to +6).