Colo Colo's 2025 season preparations are now officially underway as the team gears up to face Deportes Limache for the first time ever.
On Thursday evening, the "Cacique" will clash with the rising star of the Primera División, Deportes Limache, at the Estadio Monumental, marking the kickoff of Group B of the Copa Chile Coca Cola Sin Azúcar 2025. The match is set to begin at 20:00 hours.
Colo Colo, currently the reigning champions of the Campeonato Nacional as of 2024, enters this match after completing their pre-season activities, which included participation in the Serie Río de La Plata where they faced off against prestigious clubs like Peñarol and Huracán, managing to achieve one win and one draw. Their pre-season also featured less favorable results, including a 3-0 defeat to Racing de Avellaneda, which highlighted areas for improvement before their official competitions commenced.
Under the guidance of head coach Jorge Almirón, Colo Colo has made significant roster changes during the transfer window, securing six new signings to strengthen their squad. Among these, Claudio Aquino and Salomón Rodríguez are expected to start the match against Limache, marking their official debuts for the season. Meanwhile, notable absences will include star player Arturo Vidal, who remains sidelined due to suspension stemming from last season.
The likely starting lineup for the match includes goalkeeper Brayan Cortés; defenders Alan Saldivia, Jonathan Villagra, and Erick Wiemberg; midfielders Mauricio Isla, Esteban Pavez, Vicente Pizarro, and Lucas Cepeda; with Aquino and Rodríguez leading the attack alongside Joaquín Correa.
On the opposing side, Deportes Limache, having recently ascended to the Primera División, poses their own challenges. Coached by Víctor Rivero, the team has seen mixed results during their pre-season, having secured victories against strong opponents like Universidad de Chile and Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza, though they did suffer defeat against Santiago Wanderers. Their remarkable rise to the top league is highly celebrated, and they are determined to make their mark against the formidable Colo Colo.
This encounter is particularly significant as it not only marks the beginning of the Copa Chile for both teams, but it also symbolizes the potential for new rivalries to form within Chilean football. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether the seasoned gameplay of Colo Colo will dominate or if the spirited newcomers from Limache can pull off an upset.
Arturo Vidal, addressing the squad dynamics leading up to the match, shared insight on the recent upheaval within the team, particularly the controversial departure of former defender Maximiliano Falcón. Despite visible frustration from fans, Vidal indicated, "He (Falcón) knows he made a mistake, but at the end of the day, he left on good terms. Everyone must follow their own path.” His comments reflect the internal focus of the team as they rally for the upcoming season.
Colo Colo's approach to the 2025 season emphasizes resilience and adaptability, aiming to defend their title and build on their legacy within Chilean football. With the official season opener approaching, the anticipation surrounding their performance continues to grow as they look to stamp their authority right from the start.