Papayeros and Cruzados meet this Thursday at La Portada stadium, set in the National Championship break ahead of the FIFA window.
Universidad Católica will use the pause before the international fixtures to host a friendly against Deportes La Serena at La Portada.
coached by Ariel Holan arrives to this clash after back-to-back draws, the most recent a 1-1 result with Magallanes that kept them from pulling away to perch as sole leaders of the 2023 National Championship. Right now, the Crusaders share the summit with Huachipato, both on 18 points. The striped club had a strong start with five wins in nine matches and boasted the league’s best attack with 22 goals scored.
Meanwhile, the maroon side rebounds from their loss to Deportes Temuco, edging Cobreloa by a slim margin to lead the Promotion Championship with 13 points.
The last meeting between these two clubs occurred on September 10, just before the 24th round of the First Division. La Serena routed their opponents 4-0 behind a brace from José Pedro Fuenzalida and goals from Clemente Montes and Fernando Zampedri.
This clash represents a key tune‑up before the resumption of league play, which will pick up again on the third weekend of April when the Crusaders face Colo Colo in a new edition of the Modern Classic. At the same time, Papayeros will have their next test ahead of a match against Universidad de Concepción on Monday, July 27, as part of the seventh round. Notably, Eugenio Mena and Alexander Aravena will be unavailable due to international duty with La Roja for the match against Paraguay at the Monumental.
There is no broadcasting information available yet for this game. Ticket sales have begun, and supporters can purchase them through the provided link.
Source: Goal