Universidad de Chile leaves captain Marcelo Díaz out of Huachipato clash

Universidad de Chile will face Huachipato on Sunday, 2 August, in the 17th round of the 2026 Liga de Primera at the Estadio Nacional. Coach Fernando Gago announced a single change to the starting eleven: Charles Aránguiz returns to the midfield, replacing Israel Poblete, while Matías Zaldivia has been cleared to play after recovering from injury.

In a separate development, captain Marcelo Díaz was omitted from the match squad. The decision, described as a technical choice by Gago, comes amid ongoing off‑field controversy surrounding former club president Michael Clark and criticism directed at Díaz for his public support of Clark. The exclusion adds to a turbulent week for the player and the club.

Both teams arrive with mixed recent form: Universidad de Chile won its previous game 2‑1 against Audax Italiano, while Huachipato drew 3‑3 with Cobresal in its last outing.