As the Copa Libertadores heats up, Universidad de Chile is gearing up for a pivotal showdown against Estudiantes de La Plata on May 8, 2025. This match is crucial as both teams vie for the top spot in Group A, with the winner all but guaranteeing a place in the tournament playoffs. Universidad de Chile, who last clinched first place in the tournament back in 2017, is looking to break that drought after finishing as runners-up last season and winning the cup.
Currently, Universidad de Chile has shown promise in their Copa Libertadores campaign, securing victories against Botafogo and overcoming Argentinian rivals with a 2-1 away win. However, they stumbled slightly with a 1-1 draw against Carabobo, which raised some eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Despite this minor setback, the team has been performing well, winning two out of three matches in the tournament so far.
On the other hand, Estudiantes has had a mixed start to their season, finishing twelfth in their domestic league but managing to capture both the Diego Maradona Trophy and the Champion of Champions Trophy for the first time in their history. In the Copa Libertadores, they began with a strong 2-0 win in Venezuela, followed by a victory against Botafogo, which has set the stage for this crucial encounter.
Both teams have been scoring consistently, with Universidad de Chile managing to find the back of the net against every opponent they have faced thus far. This trend is expected to continue as they prepare for the match on May 8, where both teams are anticipated to score, according to betting odds that suggest a likelihood of goals from both sides.
As for the lineups, Universidad de Chile is expected to feature a strong side with Castellón in goal, supported by Saldivia, Calderón, Ramírez, and Sepúlveda in defense. The midfield will likely see Poblete, Díaz, Aránguiz, and Ormazábal, with Guerra and Di Yorio leading the attack. Guerra, in particular, has been under scrutiny for his lack of goals in recent matches, yet remains a starter due to his tactical abilities and partnership with Di Yorio.
César Vaccia, a legendary figure in Universidad de Chile's history, has come out in support of Guerra, emphasizing his importance in the team's tactical setup. “He connects well with Lucas Di Yorio. They have a good understanding on the field,” Vaccia stated in an interview. However, he also cautioned Guerra that he needs to elevate his performance to ensure his place in the starting eleven. “He’s on the edge; he has to assist and score to maintain his position,” Vaccia warned.
The anticipation for this match is palpable, as both teams know the stakes involved. A win for Universidad de Chile could solidify their status as contenders in this year’s tournament, while Estudiantes aims to capitalize on their recent successes and secure a playoff berth.
With the match set for 20:00 hours at the Estadio Nacional, fans are eager to see how both teams will perform under pressure. Will Universidad de Chile break their streak of near misses and take the lead in Group A, or will Estudiantes continue their impressive run? Only time will tell as the Copa Libertadores continues to unfold.
