In the 199th Superclásico, Universidad de Chile defeated Colo-Colo 1-0, marking a significant start to the Liga de Primera Mercado Libre season. This match highlights a busy week in football across the Americas.
Universidad de Chile Wins Superclásico #199
Universidad de Chile managed a 1-0 victory over Colo-Colo in the Superclásico. The match was tightly contested, decided by a Matias Zaldivia free-kick goal. The game largely unfolded in midfield, with limited offensive opportunities.
Botafogo vs Barcelona Highlighted in Copa Libertadores
The Copa Libertadores’ third round kicks off this week, featuring a notable clash between Barcelona SC and Brazil’s Botafogo. Barcelona suffered a defeat to Deportivo Cuenca in Liga Ecuabet over the weekend, losing after an impressive volley from David Gonzalez.
Barcelona SC advanced from the second round by defeating Argentinos Juniors on penalties, with a crucial second-half goal from Jhonny Quiñónez. Meanwhile, Botafogo secured a 2-1 aggregate victory against Nacional Potosí, with goals from Danilo and Alex Telles.
Independiente Medellín will take on Juventud after eliminating Liverpool Montevideo. O’Higgins and Deportes Tolima will also face off, with both teams moving on by winning penalty shootouts.
Sporting Cristal from Peru progressed via penalties and will next face Carabobo, after Carabobo’s remarkable win in Chile.
Atletico Nacional and Millonarios in Copa Sudamericana
Colombia’s national clásico features Atlético Nacional hosting Millonarios in Medellín. Nacional recently lost to Tolima but has been strong at home this season. Millonarios, despite a recent win over Deportes Pereira, enter as underdogs with a record of 3-2-4 this year, hoping to challenge Nacional’s well-structured squad.
This stage includes clubs from Peru, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, featuring many smaller teams. Notable fixtures include América de Cali vs Atlético Bucaramanga and Caracas FC.
Lanus Claims CONMEBOL Recopa
The second leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Recopa was thrilling, with Argentina’s Lanus winning 4-2 on aggregate (3-2 for the night) after extra time. Flamengo equalized with two penalties, but Lanus’s Rodrigo Castillo scored earlier, putting Flamengo under pressure. In extra time, goals from Jose Canale and Dylan Aquino secured Lanus’s victory, avoiding penalties.
This match was surprising, as Flamengo had more shots and ball possession. Despite the loss, Lanus celebrates their first CONMEBOL Recopa, keeping the trophy within Argentina, as Racing Club were previous champions.
Peñarol Wins Uruguay Superclásico
In Uruguay’s Superclásico at Gran Parque Central, Peñarol defeated Nacional 1-0, marking their second consecutive derby win. Matías Arezo scored the only goal, gaining attention while on loan from Grêmio.
The rivalry between these two major clubs indicates they will compete for top honors again this season.
Messi Leads Inter Miami Comeback vs Orlando
In their second MLS match, Inter Miami overcame early difficulties to win 4-2 against Orlando City. Despite trailing 2-0, Miami rallied in the second half, with goals from Mateo Silvetti, Messi, Telasco Segovia, and a final goal from Messi to secure the win.
The rivalry continues, with another significant match scheduled later this year in South Florida.
In other MLS news, Antoine Griezmann nears a move to Orlando City, Toronto FC signed U.S. striker Josh Sargent, and MLS clubs excelled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Round of 16 features matches like LA Galaxy vs Mount Pleasant and Inter Miami vs Nashville SC, with Cruz Azul facing Monterrey being the only fixture without an MLS team.
Cruz Azul Tops Liga MX Table, Toluca Defeats Chivas
Cruz Azul climbed to the top of Liga MX after defeating Monterrey Rayados, who have now dismissed manager Domènec Torrent due to poor results. Former player Nico Sánchez will step in as interim manager.
Monterrey now faces crucial matches, including a local rivalry against Tigres and a CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cruz Azul, where they appear underdogs.
Toluca’s victory over Chivas moved them ahead in the standings, bolstering their title aspirations. Despite Luis Romo’s return, Chivas struggled to regain form post-international break.
Tigres also had a successful match, beating Club América 4-1, with players like Juan Brunetta scoring goals to build momentum.
Mexico’s “B Side” Dominates Iceland in Friendly
While discussions around security as a World Cup host continue, Mexico’s “B” team excelled on the pitch, winning 4-0 against Iceland. Three goals came from Chivas players, with Brian Gutiérrez netting a late score.
This home win marks Mexico’s best performance since their Gold Cup victory. The team is set to face Portugal and Belgium in March friendlies, both expected to include their top players, continuing a three-game winning streak.
Gallardo Leaves River Plate with Uncertain Future
Marcelo Gallardo’s departure from River Plate was anticipated, leaving the club with uncertainty. His farewell match ended in a 3-1 victory over Banfield, but his second tenure had limited achievements.
With over 85,000 fans in attendance, River scored goals in his honor, but rebuilding will be challenging in a competitive Argentine league. Alaves coach Chacho Coudet is expected to take over as Gallardo’s successor.