Colo Colo, the reigning champions of the Chilean Primera División, began their 2025 season with anticipation as they faced newly-promoted Deportes Limache on January 30 at the Estadio Monumental. The match marked the opening of the Copa Chile, with Colo Colo aiming to showcase their strength and retain dominance over the tournament.
Under the guidance of Coach Jorge Almirón, the club had some adjustments to make before the kickoff. Although the team had solid victories during their preseason, including matches against Peñarol and Huracán, they also suffered a significant 3-0 defeat to Racing, the Copa Sudamericana champions. This mix of outcomes led to serious consideration about their team structure as they entered the official season.
Colo Colo's roster for the match against Deportes Limache included recent signings including Claudio Aquino and Salomón Rodríguez, both set to make their debuts. They replaced or complemented existing team members to bolster their lineup, aiming to maintain their status after last season's triumph.
Unfortunately for the club, not all players were available for selection. One notable absence was veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal, who received a suspension. This meant Almirón needed to adapt his strategy without one of his star players, pushing Brayan Cortés, Alan Saldivia, Sebastián Vegas, and others to step up.
On the other hand, Matías Moya, who had participated throughout the preseason, found himself oddly outside the selection for the opening match. Reports indicated he failed to convince Almirón of his worthiness for the squad, raising speculation about his future at Colo Colo. Moya's contract runs until December 2025, but the team's management appears to be seeking options to let him go if he does not turn things around.
Despite Moya's setbacks, he retains the chance to prove his value if offered playing time as the season progresses. While the club secured two important signings, Moya’s continued struggle to establish himself could play against him, particularly with no new striker being sourced to provide competition for places on the team.
Interestingly, amid roster adjustments, Arturo Vidal made headlines by discussing the controversial departure of defender Maximiliano Falcón during the preseason. According to Vidal, the club has chosen to forgive Falcón for leaving, stating, "Things were said. He knows he made a mistake, but in the end, he left amicably. Everyone must make their own decisions." This remark reflects the club's broader strategy for maintaining morale and cohesion within the team.
Looking forward, Colo Colo's supporters are eager to see how well the adjustments made will fare against Limache, who gained promotion to the top tier after impressive performances last season. The stakes are particularly high as winning this first match could set the tone for the remainder of their campaign.
After their clash with Limache, Colo Colo will prepare for future matches, including one against Santiago Wanderers, but without visiting fans due to safety concerns. This decision, though disappointing for supporters hoping to cheer their team at away games, is part of broader security measures being implemented.
The kick-off against Deportes Limache is not just about starting strong; it's also indicative of the challenges and opportunities facing the champions as they pursue new titles. With the fans’ hopes riding on their shoulders, it is time for Colo Colo to live up to their reputation as the Caciques of Chilean football.