Coquimbo Unido is preparing for its second away challenge in Group A of the 2026 League Cup. The team, led by Hernán Caputto, will travel to Talcahuano to face Huachipato in a crucial match to start establishing differences in a zone that is expected to be tight and highly competitive. The aurinegro squad arrives with good feelings after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colo Colo at the Monumental Stadium, a result that left the coaching staff satisfied with the team's performance and chance creation, despite not achieving victory.

On the other hand, the steel team drew 2-2 against Deportes Concepción, also showing offensive arguments that position them as a serious rival. Offensive adjustments are necessary for this new commitment, especially in the attacking zone. The absences of Benjamín Chandía — called up to the Chilean national team — and Martín Mundaca — summoned to the U20 team — have been compounded by a last-minute setback.

During Tuesday's training, forward Luis Riveros suffered a finger fracture, which ruled him out of the trip to the Biobío Region. This setback opened the door for Lucas Pratto's inclusion in the squad. The Argentine forward, who was initially not considered, joined the team after the emergency and will be an option from the bench.

In terms of football, the coach is expected to maintain the core of the team that faced Colo Colo, betting on continuity in performance. The main novelty would be in attack, where Guido Vadalá is expected to play as a false nine, with Pablo Rodríguez a few meters behind, gaining prominence after his positive emergence in Macul. Rodríguez himself valued the opportunity to gain minutes and compete in such scenarios.

“I’m happy to contribute to the team, to be getting into rhythm. A player always wants to play, especially on a difficu…

Thinking about Huachipato, the midfielder was clear about the team's focus: “We continue with the same idea and the desire to go for the match. We need the victory. It’s an opportunity for those of us who haven’t had many minutes to show ourselves and for the coach to see us.

” Regarding the opponent, he added, “They are a good team, with a solid squad. We have played friendlies and in the championship, but we will try to impose our game. ” Possible formation: Coquimbo Unido would line up with Gonzalo Flores in goal; Francisco Salinas, Benjamín Gazzolo, Manuel Fernández, and Sebastián Cabrera in defense; Alejandro Camargo and Salvador Cordero in midfield; Cristian Zavala, Pablo Rodríguez, and Alejandro Azócar in the creative zone; with Guido Vadalá as the offensive reference.

After this match, the "pirate" will return home to face Deportes Concepción at the Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso Stadium next Sunday, March 29, at 12:00 PM, in what will be their first home match in this phase of the tournament. “We continue with the same idea and the desire to go for the match. We need the victory,” said Pablo Rodríguez, the pirate player.