Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Late on February 18, Deportes Iquique will face Santa Fe in the Copa Libertadores qualification stage. The match is set to kick off at 23:00 CET. Here’s a detailed look at the fixture, key stats, and a betting suggestion.
Deportes Iquique vs Santa Fe: Match facts and H2H
- Deportes Iquique has lost three of their last four matches, two of them without scoring.
- Santa Fe is winless in four matches (three draws, one loss).
- Santa Fe has failed to win any of their last seven away games (three losses, four draws).
- Deportes Iquique scores over 1.5 goals in 90% of their matches.
- Santa Fe has yet to score in both halves of a match this season and has not recorded a clean-sheet victory.
- Deportes Iquique has lost 50% of their matches without scoring, compared to 40% for Santa Fe.
- This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
Deportes Iquique vs Santa Fe: Match preview
Deportes Iquique has already started their new Primera División de Chile season, playing three Chilean Cup matches and their league opener. However, their form has been underwhelming, with just one win in four matches – a 2-0 victory in the domestic cup. In their league opener, they suffered a 0-3 home defeat. Despite finishing third last season, Iquique is making its first attempt to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, having missed the previous edition.
Santa Fe, similarly, did not participate in last season’s Copa Libertadores but earned a qualification spot after a strong domestic campaign. However, they have had a slow start in the Primera A Apertura, winning just one of five matches (one loss, three draws). Their away record is particularly concerning, as they haven’t won an away match in seven games, dating back to last season.
Predicted lineups
- Deportes Iquique: Requena; Rojas, Rodríguez, Ferreira, Fuentes; Orellana, Hoyos, Salinas; Farfán, González, Ramos.
- Santa Fe: Mier; Mafla, Moreno, Monroy, Scarpeta; Perlaza, Molina, Balanta; Torres, López, Rodríguez.
Prediction
This is an important first-leg match, but it is unlikely to be decisive. Neither team is expected to take excessive risks, with a focus on maintaining defensive solidity. My betting tip is under 2.5 total goals in the match, with odds of 1.62.
