The Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso stands as the centerpiece of a triangular clash that sees the Blues face the Pirates and Rosario Central. This fixture sets the tone for an intensive pre-season as the University of Chile prepares for its National Championship opener, scheduled for the penultimate weekend of January. The squad, guided by Mauricio Pellegrino during the summer phase, enters a friendly tournament in Coquimbo that pits them against their regional rival and the Argentine powerhouse, Rosario Central.
The encounter against the Pirates opened with authority at the Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso Stadium, a venue renowned for hosting the competition’s most pivotal duels. The schedule had the Pirates contesting the Blues on the first weekend, with the clash slotted for Saturday, and the outcome was to be determined on the following Tuesday when the home side faced the visiting squad led by Miguel Ángel Russo.
Speaking about the tournament, the club’s sports manager, Manuel Mayo, expressed strong enthusiasm. He highlighted the chance to test the team against demanding opponents, to observe the coaching staff on the touchline, and to evaluate the new players who would be integrated into the squad. Mayo invited supporters from the Coquimbo region to rally behind the Blues, underscoring the tournament as a potential springboard for a triumphant year ahead. After these fixtures, another preparatory match was planned against Talleres de Córdoba, set for Saturday, January 14, at the Santa Laura stadium.
In addition to friendly action, the Blues are slated to make their official debut on January 23 against Huachipato in a neutral venue. The first classic against Colo Colo was also on the calendar for the eighth matchday at the Monumental Stadium, a high-stakes moment as the club seeks to break a long-standing drought at the famed fence Macul and to signal the start of a competitive campaign that fans hope will bring steady progress throughout the season.
The Coquimbo Summer Cup 2023 lineup and standings:
Coquimbo holds three points, Rosario Central sits with zero, and the University of Chile also has zero points as the tournament unfolds. These results set the stage for a decisive series of matches where strategic depth, player development, and tactical flexibility will be on full display. Each game offers valuable minutes for new signings and returning veterans alike, with coaches evaluating how different formations fare against varied styles of play.
Television coverage for the friendly matches is provided by TNT Sports HD and TNT 2. Viewers can stream through TNT Sports Stadium and access the broadcasts on mobile devices via TNT GO. For subscribers of TNTHD or TNT2, additional viewing options include Movistar Play, Entel TV, DirecTV GO, Claro Video, VTR Play, and Zapping. Tickets for these fixtures are available through the Ticket Plus system, ensuring fans have convenient access to seats for the action in Coquimbo and beyond.
As the preseason progresses, the club remains focused on building cohesion among the squad’s core players while integrating newcomers who add pace, versatility, and grit. The coaching staff is committed to refining the team’s pressing game, defensive organization, and attacking transition, aiming to convert pre-season momentum into a strong start to the competitive calendar. The overall objective is clear: sharpen on-field execution, maintain squad health, and foster a culture of competitive excellence that resonates with supporters across Chile and North America alike.
With a calendar that blends challenging opponents, strategic experimentation, and fan engagement, the Coquimbo Summer Cup 2023 serves as a vital platform for the Blues. It offers players a chance to demonstrate leadership, managers an opportunity to finalize tactical plans, and fans a glimpse of what the upcoming season could hold. The blend of regional pride and international competition creates a unique atmosphere that energizes the club’s journey toward the National Championship and beyond.