When Group D action continues in the Copa de la Liga 2026, Universidad de Chile, guided by Fernando Gago, hosts Martín Cicotello’s Union La Calera at the iconic Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago. Kick-off is set for 23:00 CEST on 24 March 2026. With Universidad de Chile holding home advantage and both clubs seeking vital group stage points, the encounter promises tension and tactical intrigue.
Among the standout names, Universidad de Chile will look to talisman forward Maximiliano Guerrero, whose versatility and finishing instincts have shaped recent attacking play. Union La Calera, meanwhile, turns to Sebastián Sáez, a striker whose movement and finishing create persistent threats, evidenced by his recent four-goal haul over just four games. Notably, neither side boasts goalkeepers with a recent clean sheet, so expect end-to-end action.
Hot stat: Universidad de Chile are unbeaten in their last three head-to-head meetings, outscoring Union La Calera 6-0 across these encounters.
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Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera predictions
My best bet: Universidad de Chile victory. This selection is underpinned by both form and historical dominance the hosts have not conceded in three straight H2Hs against Union La Calera, winning all without reply. At home, Universidad de Chile pairs resilient defending (52 interceptions over the last 5 matches) with an attack spearheaded by Guerrero and Eduardo Vargas. The visitors, despite a dynamic press, lag with only a 20% win rate across the past 30 days and defensive gaps, yielding twice as many yellow cards (11 vs. 7).
Tactically, Universidad de Chile’s 4-2-3-1 thrives on control. They average slightly fewer fouls (51) and hold a superior pass accuracy (77%) versus La Calera’s 71%, signifying calmer buildup and less risk in dangerous zones. La Calera’s 4-1-4-1, built on rapid turnovers, can cause moments of chaos especially through Sáez’s clinical finishing but suffers from transition exposure, making them vulnerable to quick counters.
Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Universidad de Chile | Union La Calera |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 18 | 10 |
| Free kicks | 37 | 31 |
| Corner kicks | 16 | 13 |
| Total fouls | 29 | 33 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 78 | 69 |
| Interceptions | 22 | 19 |
| Offsides | 3 | 4 |
In recent encounters, Universidad de Chile has displayed both offensive potency and defensive solidity keeping three consecutive clean sheets while exploiting space behind La Calera’s back line. On aggregate, the higher shot and corner count directly reflects their sustained territorial advantage. Union La Calera, despite flashes of promise, has struggled to break down a disciplined defensive unit while conceding key set-pieces.
🚨Read our full Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Universidad de Chile is unbeaten in their last three H2H meetings and has not conceded during that span.
- Union La Calera has collected more yellow cards (11) than any other side in Group D after one match.
- Maximiliano Guerrero has scored or assisted in three of his last five starts.
- Total corners in their last five games average 11 per match.
- Pass accuracy gap: Universidad de Chile (77%) vs. Union La Calera (71%) over their last five matches.
- La Calera’s defensive line has allowed six goals in the last five matches a negative trend facing a high-momentum attack.
Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera score prediction: 2-0
Expect a tactically mature performance from the hosts. With Guerrero and Vargas posing multi-dimensional threats and the defensive line marshaled efficiently by Morales and Calderon, Universidad de Chile should keep control for large stretches. Union La Calera’s reliance on Sáez is risky against a well-drilled back four if denied service, they may struggle to fashion quality chances. Thus, a 2-0 result favoring Universidad de Chile is the logical outcome.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Universidad de Chile the favourite
| Moneyline | Universidad de Chile 1.54 | Union La Calera 5.60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.65 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.02 | Under 2.5 1.77 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.25 | No 1.67 | |
Latest odds designate Universidad de Chile as commanding favorites reflecting their superior head-to-head and home strength. With significant margin on the away price, bookmakers clearly discount La Calera’s upset potential. Prices on Under 2.5 goals and “No” for both teams to score are notable mirroring the hosts’ recent preference for measured, control-oriented matches with few clear cut chances for their opposition.
Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera Over/Under Analysis
- Under 2.5 goals scored in four of the last five Universidad de Chile games.
- Union La Calera has failed to score in three of their last five H2Hs with Universidad de Chile.
- Both teams rarely score BTTS “No” has cashed in four of the last five H2Hs.
- Total corners regularly exceed eight, underscoring heavy use of width.
Universidad de Chile Preview
Universidad de Chile’s form (WWW, D, W) in previous matches is characterized by defensive consistency and strategic patient buildup. Their last match a 2-2 draw against La Serena saw them twice come from behind, a testament to both resilience and attacking resourcefulness. Guerrero, Vargas, and a creative midfield will again be tasked with unlocking the opposition, while coach Fernando Gago’s emphasis on disciplined ball progression was evident in the side’s sustained 77% pass accuracy. Key for this contest will be limiting fouls (51 in five games), maintaining composure when pressed, and leveraging set pieces, where they have a clear advantage.
Universidad de Chile possible starting eleven

- GK:Gabriel Castellón
- DF:Marcelo Ariel Morales Suárez, Fabián Hormazabal, Franco Calderon, Felipe Salomoni
- MF:Israel Poblete, Agustín Arce, Ignacio Vásquez, Nicolás Fernández, Matias Zaldivia
- FW:Maximiliano Guerrero
Union La Calera Preview
Union La Calera comes into this clash with inconsistent results, having lost their last outing 0-1 to Audax Italiano. The team’s 4-1-4-1 structure relies on rapid transitions through midfielders like Camilo Moya and attacking input from Sebastián Sáez a player who carries much of their offensive burden. However, high midfield turnovers and a disciplinary record of 11 yellow cards in five matches suggest a lack of control, especially under pressure. To threaten in Santiago, they must improve ball retention (71% pass accuracy) and shore up defensively a difficult proposition against a Universidad side that excels at exploiting team imbalances.
Union La Calera possible starting eleven

- GK:Nicolás Avellaneda
- DF:Javier Saldias, Christopher Díaz, Daniel Gutiérrez, Rodrigo Cáseres
- MF:Yerko Leiva, Camilo Moya, Carlos Villanueva, Juan Manuel Requena, Cristián Gutiérrez
- FW:Sebastián Sáez

Union La Calera. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
As the Tips.GG team expert, our main pick is for Universidad de Chile to win outright. Depth, tactical clarity, and proven head-to-head success amplify their credentials in front of their home fans. Union La Calera’s discipline issues and overreliance on Sáez provide too few margins for error.
- Prediction: Universidad de Chile win (58% probability, as determined by our dedicated AI prediction engine)
How to watch Universidad de Chile vs Union La Calera
- When? 24 March 2026, 23:00 CEST
- Where? Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago
- How to watch: National TV, local sports broadcasters, or official Copa de la Liga streaming partner
- Favorite: Universidad de Chile
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