Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures of the fifth round in the Copa Libertadores group stage will take place on Wednesday at the “Julio Martínez Prádanos” stadium in Santiago, where the local Universidad de Chile will host Venezuela’s Carabobo. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash, which has strong chances for success.
Match preview
Universidad de Chile ranks among the most successful clubs in the country with 18 league titles. Despite current financial challenges, the team maintains its status as one of Chilean football’s leaders and aims to reaffirm its ambitions on the international stage. In this year’s Copa Libertadores, “La U” have shown decent form, although an unexpected home defeat to Estudiantes de La Plata (0-3) in the fourth round was a painful blow.
At the moment, the Chileans sit second in Group A’s standings, having collected 7 points from 4 matches. They approach the clash with Carabobo after a 1-1 draw with Recoleta in the Chilean Cup. Universidad de Chile’s strengths include a solid defense — just 8 goals conceded in their last 8 matches — and the advantage of playing at home. In fact, “La U” have lost only one of their last five home games.
Unlike their Chilean counterparts, Venezuelan club Carabobo have yet to achieve any significant success on the international scene. Since debuting in the Copa Libertadores only in 2017, the Valencia-based team has struggled to establish itself among the continent’s elite. Under Spanish coach Diego Merino, Carabobo have yet to win a match in this year’s competition, scoring only twice in four games.
The Venezuelans have been struggling both in attack and defense, conceding seven goals in four matches. A key issue has been a lack of squad rotation, particularly following the injury to Argentine defender Ezequiel Neira, which weakened their backline. In their latest outing, Carabobo played out a goalless draw at home against Puerto Cabello (0-0) and currently sit second in the Group B Apertura standings.
Probable lineups
- Universidad de Chile: Castellón, Ramírez, Calderón, Zaldivia, Hormazábal, Díaz, Montes, Sepúlveda, Poblete, Di Yorio, Guerra
- Carabobo: Canozales Panesso, J. Berrios Mora, E. Tortolero, J. Perez, Mr. Núñez, G. González, Mr. Pernía, N. Rodriguez, L. Aponte, Mr. Guaramato, L. Bruera
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first-leg meeting ended in a 1-1 draw
- The “Over 2.5 goals” bet landed in two out of Universidad de Chile’s last five matches
- Both teams scored in three of Universidad de Chile’s last five games
Prediction
Bookmakers are firmly backing Universidad de Chile in this one, offering a modest 1.31 odds for a home win. We believe the smart play here is “Universidad de Chile to win with a -1.5 handicap” at odds of 2.02.
