Copa Sudamericana Group C Opener: O'Higgins Host Millonarios in Crucial First Leg
O'Higgins and Millonarios are set to clash in their Copa Sudamericana Group C opener, a vital match for both teams looking to kickstart their continental campaign with a win. Hosts O'Higgins are in strong recent form, unbeaten in their last five matches, while Millonarios aim to overcome inconsistent away performances to secure a foothold in a challenging group.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This fixture marks the opening round of Group C in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, pitting Chilean side O'Higgins against Colombian club Millonarios. Both teams are drawn into a challenging Group C alongside Brazilian giants São Paulo and Uruguay's Boston River, making every match crucial, especially in the battle for a playoff spot as only group winners advance directly to the Round of 16. For O'Higgins, this is their return to the Copa Sudamericana for the first time since 2017, and they will be eager to make a positive start on home turf. Millonarios, who struggled to progress beyond the group stage in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, will be looking for a stronger continental showing this year, having secured their group stage berth by defeating Atlético Nacional 3-1.
Recent Form
O'Higgins comes into this match in strong form, having recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five official matches. Their most recent success was a 2-1 victory over Audax Italiano on April 3. Their last five results are: W (2-1 vs Audax Italiano, Apr 3), D (3-3 vs Unión La Calera, Mar 16), L (0-2 vs Deportes Tolima, Mar 11), W (1-0 vs Universidad Católica, Mar 7), W (1-0 vs Deportes Tolima, Mar 4). Millonarios have experienced mixed results recently, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings. Their latest match saw them fall 1-0 to Jaguares de Córdoba on April 2. Their recent form includes: L (0-1 vs Jaguares, Apr 2), D (2-2 vs Fortaleza, Mar 31), W (4-1 vs Once Caldas, Mar 21), W (3-0 vs Atlético Nacional, Mar 18), L (1-2 vs Boyacá Chicó, Mar 14).
Key Players & Injury News
O'Higgins will look to key players such as forward Martín Sarrafiore, who has contributed 2 goals this season, and Francisco González, who is the team's main playmaker with 3 assists. Thiago Vecino is another notable player for the Chilean side. No significant new injury concerns have been reported for O'Higgins. For Millonarios, Rodrigo Contreras leads the scoring with 8 goals, closely followed by Leonardo Castro with 7 goals, while veteran David Silva is a crucial figure in the squad. Colombian legend Radamel Falcao is also part of their roster. There are no major new injury updates for Millonarios, suggesting both teams will likely field their strongest available lineups.