The Crusaders are set to take the field at Santa Laura after a stretch of four winless matches stretched the tension for both teams. Santa Laura will host a clash that pits Catholic University against Huachipato on Wednesday the 10th, a key fixture on the thirteenth date of the 2023 Nacional Championship.
Huachipato arrives from the edge of safety, stepping into the match coming off a suspended game against Universidad de Chile. The postponement marked the 196th First Division meeting in the local derby, a contest briefly halted due to disturbances by some Azul y Oro supporters at the Ester Roa Rebolledo stadium and the related use of pyrotechnics on the field. The ANFP’s board decided to resume the match without spectators from the 31st minute onward, in accordance with Articles 103 and 104 of the competition regulations.
On the field, the Crusaders have shown an irregular run, with questions hovering over head coach Ariel Holan after a run of surprising results that have knocked them off pace in the title race. The setback in Concepción came when the fringed side fell to O’Higgins, stretching their winless run to four league games despite maintaining a spot in the international cup zone with 19 points.
Hudged by Gustavo Álvarez, Huachipato sits atop the table with 22 points, though the team missed an opportunity to widen the gap after a 2-3 defeat against Unión La Calera in Talcahuano. A postponed fixture against Magallanes due to adverse weather in the Biobío region remains on the schedule, a reminder of how weather can influence the length and outcome of the campaign.
Historically, these clubs have met 99 times with Catholic University claiming 54 wins (180 goals) and Huachipato 25 wins (111 goals), with 20 draws. The most recent meeting occurred on September 14 at El Teniente, where UC edged Huachipato through a late strike by Fernando Zampedri.
Catholic University:
To confirm.
Huachipato:
To confirm.
Note: Content attributed to Goal for reference purposes in this report. The information reflects match context and standings as reported at the close of the last update, with subsequent results and standings subject to change in accordance with league schedules and disciplinary decisions.