Colo Colo Coach Confirms Goalkeeper Plans for Copa Chile Match

Colo Colo coach Fernando Ortiz has confirmed that goalkeeper Fernando De Paul has rejoined the squad following a period away from the team, though he will not feature in the club's upcoming match.

Instead, Eduardo Villanueva will start in goal when Colo Colo face Audax in the first leg of the round of 16 in the Copa Chile.

The decision indicates that Ortiz is choosing to manage De Paul's return gradually, rather than immediately restoring him to the starting lineup.

This stage of the tournament marks the point at which sixteen clubs remain in contention, all aiming to progress toward the later rounds.

Colo Colo is among several teams that could potentially meet in a possible final of the Copa Chile 2026, depending on how the bracket unfolds.

The match against Audax represents the first leg of a two-legged tie, a common format in cup competitions that allows teams to play each other both home and away before a winner is decided on aggregate.

Results from other first-leg fixtures in the round of 16 have already been confirmed, giving an early picture of which clubs hold an advantage heading into the second legs.

Ortiz's comments come as attention turns increasingly to squad rotation and player fitness during a demanding period of fixtures.

By confirming De Paul's return while opting for continuity in goal with Villanueva, the coach appears to be balancing squad depth with careful management of a player coming back from absence.

Further details about the Copa Chile 2026, including how the round of 16 develops and which teams ultimately advance, are expected to emerge as the competition progresses toward its concluding stages.