Deportes Antofagasta welcome Universidad de Chile to the Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascuñán on Wednesday, October 7, with both teams looking to take an advantage into the second leg of their Copa Chile quarter-final.
The first leg brings together a Primera B side enjoying a strong run in the competition and a Universidad de Chile team competing at the top level of Chilean football. With the return match scheduled for October 21, neither side will want to give away too much in the opening encounter.
Antofagasta vs U. de Chile Match Details
- Competition: Copa Chile 2026
- Round: Quarter-final, first leg
- Match: Antofagasta vs Universidad de Chile
- Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 local time
- Venue: Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascuñán, Antofagasta
Antofagasta Looking to Continue Strong Cup Run
Antofagasta enter the quarter-final after producing an impressive result against Deportes Iquique. The Pumas drew 1-1 away from home in the first leg before winning the return match 4-1 at home to progress with a 5-2 aggregate victory.
Their recent home form has also provided encouragement. Antofagasta defeated Rangers 2-0 in their latest Primera B match on October 4, while their home victory over Iquique showed that they can cause problems against stronger opposition.
Playing the opening leg at home gives Antofagasta an opportunity to put pressure on Universidad de Chile early in the tie. A positive result would give them something to defend when they travel to Santiago for the second leg.
Universidad de Chile Aim for First-Leg Advantage
Universidad de Chile arrive in Antofagasta after overcoming Everton in the previous round. The Santiago club won the away leg 1-0 before drawing 1-1 at home, progressing 2-1 on aggregate.
The visitors have also been in good form in recent matches. They beat Everton 1-0 away from home, defeated Deportes La Serena 3-0 and recorded a 4-2 home victory over Coquimbo Unido before a 1-1 draw with Everton in the return leg.
That run gives Universidad de Chile confidence heading into the northern trip. The team will also be aware that scoring an away victory could put them in a strong position before the second meeting between the sides.
Team News
Universidad de Chile were monitoring the fitness of several players ahead of the match. Octavio Rivero was the main doubt after continuing his recovery from a knee operation, while Fabián Hormazábal and Tobías Reinhart underwent precautionary examinations after picking up physical complaints against Everton.
Charles Aránguiz and Eduardo Vargas, who also suffered knocks in that match, had returned to full training according to reports before the trip to Antofagasta.
Antofagasta, meanwhile, come into the match without a major injury concern reported ahead of the quarter-final.
What to Expect
The first leg could be closely contested because both teams have a clear reason to remain disciplined. Antofagasta have home advantage and will want to make it count, while Universidad de Chile have the quality and experience to control periods of the game.
Antofagasta’s recent home performances suggest they should not be underestimated, particularly after their 4-1 victory over Iquique. Universidad de Chile, however, have shown consistency in recent weeks and will be looking to avoid giving the hosts an early advantage.
The result could therefore depend on which side manages the important moments better. Antofagasta will want to build a lead before the second leg, while Universidad de Chile may consider a positive result away from home an important step towards the semi-finals.
Antofagasta vs U. de Chile Prediction
Universidad de Chile appear to have the stronger squad on paper and have shown good form heading into the quarter-final. However, Antofagasta’s home advantage and recent performances in the Copa Chile make this a difficult fixture for the visitors.
Prediction: Antofagasta 1-1 Universidad de Chile
A competitive first leg could leave the tie finely balanced ahead of the return match in Santiago on October 21.
