The Crusaders are set to face Oriente Petrolero and Rosario Central as they begin their official campaign in the National Championship.
Catholic University closed 2023 with a clear plan for the upcoming season, confirming a slate of friendlies ahead of their national league debut and the Copa Sudamericana. Led by Ariel Holan, the squad has added five new signings and returned to training on January 5. The team impressed in Ester Roa Rebolledo, showcasing impressive exploits from their forwards and guiding goals from Zampedri, Aravena, and Montes.
The Crusaders will also take on Rosario Central during the Santiago 2023 summer friendly schedule. A match against Talleres was planned for Monday the 9th at Santa Laura, but it was postponed because the venue for the later clash against Canalla remained unfinished after the Coquimbo Unido and Universidad de Chile fixtures in the Coquimbo Summer Cup 2023.
It should be noted that the Crusaders will make their domestic league debut on the weekend of January 22, traveling to play Everton. Their opponent in the opening leg of the continental competition will be Audax Italiano, hosting the Chilean side in the first leg. The knockout format for this edition is new, with ties decided by a penalty shootout if the 90 minutes end level. The series runs through March 7.
Mathias Dituro, captain of the striped squad, spoke after returning from vacation about the early days of the pre-season. He explained that the team trains on different days with double sessions, gradually increasing intensity, and preparing for the friendlies scheduled for the coming week. He noted that the group has been focusing on all aspects of the playing system and that the process is moving from weaker to stronger, aiming to build a solid and reliable unit. Dituro spoke candidly at a press conference about these preparations.
UC Preseason Friendlies:
How to watch on TV and online?
The Albiverde did not indicate a single universal broadcast and the options may include DirecTV with the signal on SD 613 and HD 1613, plus the DirecTV GO online platform. Another broadcast route is TNT Sports 2 and TNT HD on television through various cable providers. The following channels may carry the matches depending on the operator:
TNT Sports 2
- VCR 165 SD
- DirectTV 631 SD
- Entel 242 SD
- Clear 190 SD
- GTD Telsur 71 SD
- Movistar 486 SD
- YouSee 504 SD
- Zapping 104 HD
TNT Sports HD
- VCR 855 HD
- DirectTV 1631 HD
- Entel 243 HD
- Clear 490 HD
- GTD Telsur 845 HD
- Movistar 896 HD
- Zapping 99 HD
Streaming options take precedence through TNT Sports Stadium and on mobile via TNT GO. For TNTHD or TNT2 customers, both signals are available on Movistar Play, Entel TV, DirecTV GO, Claro Video, VTR Play, and Zapping. Tickets are available through the Ticket Plus system.
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