The squad under Ariel Holan faces a stern test in their second preseason clash, taking on a formidable rival known as the Matador in a battle that continues to shape the early momentum of the preparation period.
Catholic University remains in the thick of its preseason, sharpening plans for a National Championship bid that will premiere this Sunday, January 22, in a high-stakes match against Everton in Sausalito. The Crusaders arrive at this encounter buoyed by a productive training camp, following a confident win over Oriente Petrolero highlighted by standout performances from Fernando Zampedri, Alexander Aravena, and Clemente Montes in the Esther Roa Rebolledo era. The result provided a strong signal that the squad is building rhythm and confidence ahead of the official campaign. The team, coached by Javier Gandolfi, also comes off a draw with Godoy Cruz in the Mario Alberto Kempes tournament and wins over Atenas de Rio Cuarto (3-0) and Racing de Nueva Italia (1-0) as part of their Chilean tour. Their next test is a showdown with the University of Chile in Santa Laura, marking another important step in their pre-season sequence.
Both teams have two prior meetings in the Copa Libertadores era. On May 25, 2022, Albiazul claimed a tight victory at San Carlos de Apoquindo, and they repeated the same scoreline on April 7 in Córdoba. After this match, the striped shop is slated to face Rosario Central in Independencia, while the Argentine side gears up for its Professional League debut against Independiente, underscoring the heightened intensity of the period before competitive matches resume.
The scheduled game was set to be played in Santa Laura, but organizers postponed it to accommodate field work being carried out by Union Española. In light of the disruption, UC officials confirmed that the match could potentially shift to the Alberto Buccicardi pitch within the San Carlos de Apoquindo complex. The arrangement left broadcasters in a waiting position, with the option of streaming on the official YouTube channel of the foothills as a contingency. This development highlights the practical challenges teams face when balancing preparation with venue readiness, a common theme in contemporary preseason schedules.
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Notes from observers and media coverage emphasize the evolving form of both sides as they chart a path toward their upcoming seasons. Commentary often highlights the tactical setups, the blending of veterans with academy talents, and the balance between defense solidity and attacking fluidity that coaches are keen to cultivate during this formative phase.
All parties remain focused on maximizing prep time, evaluating player fitness, and integrating new arrivals into cohesive systems. As the preseason unfolds, supporters and scouts alike will be watching closely for signs of breakthrough performances, leadership emergence, and how each club translates training-ground concepts into competitive edge when the calendar turns to league play. The broader takeaway is clear: these exhibitions are more than practice matches; they are vital tests of identity, depth, and strategic direction as teams prepare for the demanding schedule ahead.
Source: Goal