Universidad Católica's coach Daniel Garnero highlighted the crucial Saturday match against Unión La Calera for direct qualification to the Copa Libertadores. He praised the clearance of Fernando Zampedri and foresaw the need for a larger squad in 2026 if they secure the international spot. The team relies solely on their result to return to the group stage, absent since 2021.
Universidad Católica faces Unión La Calera this Saturday at 18:00 in their stadium, with a chance to secure the Chile 2 spot for the Copa Libertadores. Ahead of the match, Daniel Garnero emphasized its importance, particularly after Fernando Zampedri's clearance from his tenth yellow card, allowing him to play. “He is the league's top scorer, our team's top scorer, a professional highly respected by his peers,” the coach said. He added that he trusted the outcome: “I asked Fer and he said he hadn't done anything. He was very sure this could happen. That he has been cleared and can play is very important for us”.
Garnero appreciated the team's position at the tournament's end, depending only on themselves. “Reaching the last match at home, depending on yourself, is very good. If they had told us that when we arrived, I would have signed, because it was very difficult,” he noted. He highlighted the squad's positive reaction and the club's context, which has struggled with international tournaments. “This squad had a very good reaction. The club has been struggling for some time to participate in international tournaments. Having a chance for direct Libertadores is very good. We are in an unbeatable situation,” he added.
Regarding the future, Garnero avoided details on over ten players' contracts, prioritizing the match. However, if they qualify for the Libertadores, he anticipated changes. “This squad was short for one tournament only. If we have the possibility to compete internationally, we will need not only quality, but quantity... which was already needed,” he stated. He insisted on focus: “The most important thing for us is Saturday. We cannot lose focus”.
On injuries, Cristián Cuevas is recovered but lacks match rhythm, so he was not considered to avoid risks. “He is very well, but he is not in competition rhythm. If we need him, he will make an effort that no one assures me won't bring a bigger problem,” he explained. Alfred Canales remains uncertain: “There are days he is fine, and days he is very bad. Yesterday he was very bad. I cannot confirm Alfred's status”.