The opening matches in the Copa Libertadores were disappointing for both Colo Colo and Fortaleza. As they prepare to face each other in the early hours of Friday, both teams are expected to prioritise defensive organisation and efficiency in front of goal, with few clear-cut chances likely to emerge.
After edging past Unión San Felipe (1:0) in the Chilean Cup, Colo Colo followed up with three consecutive draws. In their away clash with Atlético Bucaramanga (3:3), the team mounted a second-half comeback from 1:3 down. Despite the high scoreline, the defence performed with discipline, limiting the opposition to just 0.96 xGA and conceding only five shots on target. In the final group stage game of the Chilean Cup, Colo Colo, with Arturo Vidal in the starting line-up, held Santiago Wanderers to a goalless draw, having allowed only three goals across five matches in the competition.
Fortaleza struggled to make an attacking impact in their group stage opener, falling 0:3 to Racing. The Brazilian side managed only 0.52 xG and registered four shots on target. Their five-man defensive line limited their attacking presence in the final third. In a 1:1 draw against newly promoted Mirassol, the squad again adopted a cautious game plan, producing just 0.86 xG while holding only 29% of possession. This conservative approach ultimately cost them, as they conceded an equaliser in stoppage time.
This head-to-head encounter in the Copa Libertadores holds added importance, with both teams under pressure to avoid further setbacks. A low-scoring match seems likely, with both sides expected to adopt a risk-averse tactical approach, aiming to minimise errors.
