- Team form: Union La Calera have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their 7 home games in the Primera Division 2026.
- Away form: Universidad de Chile have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 3 on the road in Primera Division 2026.
A battle of tactics and styles in Calera
Coaches and styles
The clash of styles on Sunday afternoon should be fascinating in Calera, where two coaches will go head-to-head. Martin Cicotello has moulded Union La Calera into a tough, compact unit since taking over at the end of September 2025, while Fernando Gago is trying to create a very different identity at Universidad de Chile since taking the reins in March 2026.
Form and home/away records
La Calera have struggled in Primera Division 2026, currently occupying 16th place with just 11 points from 14 games, but they have been especially poor at Nicolás Chahuán Nazar, where they have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 4. Gago's side are faring much better in 9th place with 20 points from 13, but have also been stumbling on the road lately, failing to win in their last 3 on the away, drawing once and losing twice.
Tactical setups
Cicotello is unlikely to deviate from his usual formation of two banks of four, which leaves a narrow gap between the defensive and attacking thirds and leaves no space for Union to express themselves. La Calera are very pragmatic, looking to be solid at the back, avoid losing the ball in dangerous areas and strike on the counter-attack or in set-pieces.
Gago's players will try to control the ball, press high up the field and set the tempo for the game in a much more ambitious and progressive style, but neither club is blessed with many creative players or goalscorers.
Spoils will go to the team that grinds out a goal
The visitors, who have conceded just four in seven away games this year, have enough quality to edge out La Calera in a low-scoring contest, so we're going with an away win at 2.1 and under 2.5 total goals at 1.65 and BTTS-no at 1.82.
- Sebastian Saez is the main goal threat for La Calera, who have netted just 9 times in 7 home matches this season, with 7 Primera Division strikes from 14 appearances this term.
- He has scored two of his team's last five goals and should lead the attack again on Sunday.
- Kevin Mendez is the creative spark for La Calera, who need someone to create chances because they don't have any regular goalscorers.
- The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has provided five assists in 13 league games this season and should offer their best chance of breaking through on the day.
- Eduardo Vargas remains the focal point of Universidad de Chile's attacking play, scoring 4 goals in 11 Primera Division appearances this year, including 2 of his side's last 3.
