La Serena vs. Universidad Católica Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 November 2025

This Primera Division clash between La Serena and Universidad Católica promises to be an intriguing battle. Despite La Serena sitting at 12th in the table with 27 points, they are showing steady improvement. They will be eager to make a mark against second-placed Universidad Católica who have amassed 48 points this season.

La Serena have scored in 85% of their matches, thanks largely to their top scorer Jeisson Vargas, who has 11 goals to his name. However, defensive frailties have plagued them all season, with no clean sheets in their last five games.

Universidad Católica come into this match as the favourites, boasting a solid defensive record with four clean sheets in their last five matches. Daniel Garnero has crafted an efficient side with star striker Fernando Zampedri leading the line, having notched up 14 goals so far.

Expect an open contest with both teams finding the net, making the recommended bet both teams to score (BTTS).

Additionally, the match prediction leans towards a competitive fixture with Universidad Católica possibly edging it due to their form and defensive resilience.

It’s going to be an exciting match worth watching!

La Serena vs Universidad Católica Prediction & Betting Tip

La Serena vs Universidad Católica Prediction
Betting tip
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes – Odds: 1.90

• La Serena have scored in 85% of their matches this season, demonstrating their offensive capabilities, especially with Jeisson Vargas leading the charge.
• Universidad Católica are known for their attacking prowess, rarely being held scoreless in consecutive games, with Fernando Zampedri having netted 14 goals.
• Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities recently, increasing the likelihood of a high-scoring affair.
  Given the match facts and recent performances, this fixture is expected to be an open contest with goals from both ends. This makes "Both Teams to Score" a solid betting tip for this encounter.

La Serena vs Universidad Católica Odds

The odds for this exciting Primera Division clash reflect the visitors’ strengths and recent form. Given their position in the league and the talent within their squad, Universidad Católica are favoured by the bookmakers. La Serena, meanwhile, will look to leverage their home advantage and recent head-to-head success.

La Serena vs Universidad Católica Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
La Serena Win	3.30
Draw	3.32
Universidad Católica Win	2.04

With odds of 3.30 for a La Serena win and 3.32 for a draw, there’s potential value if La Serena can replicate their previous home triumph against Universidad Católica. However, Universidad Católica’s odds of 2.04 reflect their strength as they chase the top spot. Given both teams’ scoring history and defensive vulnerabilities, an open contest with goals from both sides is anticipated.

La Serena Team Analysis

La Serena Recent Performance

Recent Form: Draw, Loss, Draw, Win, Win
La Serena’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, reflecting their struggle for consistency that sees them sitting 12th in the table. Over their last five matches, they have managed 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.

Despite the inconsistent results, La Serena have shown their attacking potential, with an average of 1.40 goals scored in their last five games. However, their defensive record leaves much to be desired, as they have not kept any clean sheets in this period.

Their recent 2-1 victories against Deportes Iquique and Audax Italiano highlight their ability to find the net, thanks largely to their top scorer, Jeisson Vargas, who has 11 goals this season. On the other hand, their crushing 6-1 loss to Deportes Limache exposes their defensive vulnerabilities, which they will need to address in this upcoming fixture.

La Serena Key Players

La Serena will depend heavily on their talismanic forward, Jeisson Vargas, who has netted 11 times this season. His knack for finding the back of the net will be pivotal if La Serena are to upset the odds against Universidad Católica. Vargas’s partnership with Felipe Chamorro will be another key aspect as they aim to unlock the opposing defence.

In midfield, Juan Fuentes and Sebastian Gallegos will play crucial roles in dictating the pace and providing service to the forwards. Defensively, the onus will be on Nicolas Ferreyra and Lucas Alarcón to shore up the backline and limit the attacking threat posed by Fernando Zampedri, Universidad Católica’s top scorer.

Expected lineup for La Serena:

• Goalkeeper: Eryin Sanhueza
• Defenders: Matías Pinto, Lucas Alarcón, Nicolas Ferreyra, Joaquín Fernández, Fernando Dinamarca
• Midfielders: Sebastian Gallegos, Juan Fuentes, Manuel Rivera
• Attackers: Felipe Chamorro, Jeisson Vargas

La Serena Suspensions & Injuries

La Serena will head into the match with key players Angelo Henríquez and Esteban Moreira sidelined due to injuries. Henríquez, with a leg injury, has an uncertain return date, while Moreira is out with a muscle injury and is expected to be back in a few weeks.

These absences could impact La Serena’s depth and options, particularly in attack and midfield. Henríquez’s creativity and experience will be missed, potentially putting more pressure on Jeisson Vargas and Felipe Chamorro to deliver upfront. Coach Arturo Sanhueza will need to strategize effectively to compensate for these missing players, leaning on remaining squad strengths to compete against a formidable Universidad Católica side.

La Serena Tactics and Formation

La Serena Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forwards: Jeisson Vargas and Felipe Chamorro
• Midfield Trio: Sebastian Gallegos, Juan Fuentes, Manuel Rivera
• Defensive Strategy: Five-man backline to counter Universidad Católica’s attacking threats

La Serena often adopts a 5-3-2 formation to bolster their defence while still maintaining attacking options. With Jeisson Vargas and Felipe Chamorro up front, the team looks to strike on counter-attacks, leveraging Vargas’s goal-scoring ability.

Midfielders Sebastian Gallegos and Juan Fuentes are pivotal in transit play, providing both defensive cover and support to the forwards. Despite their recent inconsistency, La Serena’s focus will be on staying compact at the back and exploiting any counter-attacking opportunities. Coach Arturo Sanhueza will emphasize maintaining a solid defensive shape while relying on Vargas’s finishing to capitalise on chances.

Universidad Católica Team Analysis

Universidad Católica Recent Performance

Recent Form: Win, Win, Win, Win, Loss
Universidad Católica have been a formidable force this season, reflected in their impressive run of four consecutive wins before a recent setback against O’Higgins. Their position at 2nd in the table with 48 points is a testament to their consistency and quality.

In their last five matches, they’ve averaged 1.20 goals per game, demonstrating their attacking capabilities while maintaining defensive solidity with four clean sheets. Their defence, spearheaded by Branco Ampuero and Daniel González, has been tough to break down, providing a reliable foundation for their offensive play.

Key wins against teams like Everton CD and Universidad de Chile have highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, and they’ll be looking to bounce back swiftly from their recent defeat to continue their push for the top spot. Coach Daniel Garnero will rely on his squad’s depth and resilience in the upcoming match against La Serena.

Universidad Católica Key Players

Universidad Católica’s success this season has been largely driven by their star striker, Fernando Zampedri, who has netted an impressive 14 goals. Zampedri’s clinical finishing and ability to find space will be pivotal in breaking down La Serena’s defence.

The midfield trio of Leenhan Romero, Carlos Agustin Farias, and Nicolas Letelier provides both stability and creativity, ensuring a balanced approach in both defence and attack. Their ability to control the midfield battle will be crucial.

At the back, Branco Ampuero and Daniel González form a solid defensive partnership, key to Universidad Católica’s four clean sheets in their last five games.

Expected lineup for Universidad Católica:

• Goalkeeper: Vicente Bernedo
• Defenders: Tomás Asta-Buruaga, Branco Ampuero, Daniel González, Eugenio Mena
• Midfielders: Agustin Farías, Nicolás Letelier, Jhojan Valencia
• Attackers: Clemente Montes, Fernando Zampedri, Eduard Bello

Universidad Católica Suspensions & Injuries

Universidad Católica will need to navigate this fixture without several key players. Defensive stalwart Gary Medel is suspended, which could impact their backline stability. The absence of Medel’s experience might force coach Daniel Garnero to adjust his defensive setup.

Injuries also concern the team, with Carlos Arancibia, Fernando Zuqui, and Cristian Cuevas all sidelined. Arancibia and Zuqui’s muscle and leg injuries, respectively, are indefinite, while Cuevas is expected to return late in November. These absences could hamper the team’s midfield depth, putting more pressure on the remaining midfielders to step up.

Despite these challenges, Universidad Católica’s squad depth will be tested, and their ability to adapt will be crucial for maintaining their strong performance in the league.

Universidad Católica Tactics and Formation

Universidad Católica Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Fernando Zampedri
• Midfield Trio: Agustin Farías, Nicolás Letelier, Jhojan Valencia
• Defensive Strategy: Focus on maintaining a high defensive line to support the attacking play

Universidad Católica typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing a balance between robust defence and potent attack. Fernando Zampedri leads the forward line, consistently posing a threat with his prolific goal-scoring ability. The midfield trio of Farías, Letelier, and Valencia plays a crucial role in both shielding the backline and initiating offensive plays.

Defensively, the absence of Gary Medel will necessitate adjustments, but the defensive partnership of Branco Ampuero and Daniel González remains a strong foundation. The team’s emphasis on maintaining possession and pressing high up the pitch aims to restrict La Serena’s counter-attacking opportunities. Coach Daniel Garnero will look to exploit La Serena’s defensive weaknesses, especially considering Universidad Católica’s strength in scoring early and maintaining pressure throughout the match.

La Serena vs Universidad Católica Head-to-Head Statistics

Analysing the last five encounters between La Serena and Universidad Católica gives us valuable insights into their dynamic matchups. The record is quite balanced, with both teams taking victories in critical games.

• 2025-05-25: Universidad Católica 1-3 La Serena (Primera Division)
• 2022-09-10: La Serena 0-4 Universidad Católica (Primera Division)
• 2022-04-10: Universidad Católica 0-2 La Serena (Primera Division)
• 2021-11-13: La Serena 0-2 Universidad Católica (Primera Division)
• 2021-08-08: Universidad Católica 4-3 La Serena (Primera Division)

Recent encounters have seen both teams scoring and achieving notable wins. Notably, La Serena’s striking 3-1 victory earlier this year showcased their ability to capitalise on Universidad Católica’s defensive lapses. Conversely, Universidad Católica has proven their offensive prowess with decisive victories like the 4-0 thrashing in 2022.

These head-to-heads reflect a competitive edge, with both teams having moments of dominance. As La Serena aims to climb the league and Universidad Católica strives for the top spot, expect a thrilling contest influenced by their past meetings.

Odds accurate as of 06/11/2025 15:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.