Chilean Primera División: Universidad Católica Eyeing Libertadores Spot, Unión La Calera in Deep Trouble
In Round 30 of the Chilean Primera División, second-placed Universidad Católica will host a struggling Unión La Calera. Universidad Católica aims to solidify its Copa Libertadores qualification, while Unión La Calera desperately seeks to end a concerning losing streak.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Round 30 clash in the Chilean Primera División (Liga de Primera Itaú 2025) holds vastly different stakes for both teams. Hosts Universidad Católica currently sit second in the league with 55 points, actively pursuing qualification for the Copa Libertadores. With Coquimbo Unido already crowned champions, Universidad Católica needs to secure a top-three finish to guarantee direct entry into the Libertadores. On the other hand, visiting Unión La Calera is in 11th position with 29 points. While not in the immediate relegation zone (the bottom two teams are relegated), their prolonged poor form puts them under considerable pressure, needing points to improve their standing and ensure safety.
Recent Form
Universidad Católica has shown mixed form in their last five official matches, recording two wins, two losses, and one draw. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 away draw against Huachipato, preceded by a 2-1 victory over Palestino. However, they also suffered 0-1 defeats to Deportes La Serena and 0-2 against O'Higgins. Unión La Calera's recent form is a cause for concern, as they have lost all of their last five matches. They fell to Deportes Limache (0-1), Colo-Colo (1-4), Deportes Iquique (1-2), Coquimbo Unido (0-2), and Audax Italiano (3-4), finding themselves in a five-match losing streak.
Key Players & Injury News
For Universidad Católica, striker Fernando Zampedri is the offensive linchpin, having scored 16 goals this season, making him a key scorer in the league. Clemente Montes and Eduard Bello have also contributed with 5 goals each. In terms of chance creation, Cristián Cuevas has provided 29 key passes, with Jhojan Valencia and Eugenio Mena also performing well. However, Universidad Católica faces some injury concerns: Fernando Zuqui is sidelined until the end of the year with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, and Cristián Cuevas is expected to be out until late January 2026 due to an adductor injury. Valber Huerta is in the final stages of his rehabilitation, while Agustín Farías and Eugenio Mena are also out with injuries. For Unión La Calera, there are no specific major new injury reports currently available, and the team will rely on its collective strategy to tackle the challenge.