Universidad de Chile earned a slim advantage with a 1-0 home win over Independiente on Wednesday in the first leg of their 2025 Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 tie. The only goal came in the 36th minute from Lucas Assadi, giving the Chilean side a lead to protect in next week’s return match in Avellaneda.

Independiente pressed high from the start, forcing mistakes in La U’s build-up and creating early chances for Santiago Montiel and Felipe Loyola. The home team initially struggled to keep possession and match the Argentine side’s tempo. However, after efforts from Israel Poblete (off the post) and Fabián Hormazábal (header saved by Rodrigo Rey), Universidad de Chile found their breakthrough. In the 36th minute, Hormazábal delivered the assist for Assadi, who finished with a precise low shot into the corner.

Independiente’s response and the turning point
In the second half, coach Julio Vaccari brought on Gabriel Ávalos to address his team’s scoring woes. Luciano Cabral went close with a shot off-target, and Matías Abaldo remained a threat until his dismissal in the 70th minute for a dangerous challenge, leaving El Rojo down to ten men.

With the numerical advantage, coach Gustavo Álvarez’s side pushed for a second goal on the counter, but couldn’t extend their lead. Independiente, meanwhile, struggled to recreate their earlier danger.

The tie will be decided on Wednesday, August 20, with the winner set to face either Universidad Católica (ECU) or Alianza Lima (PER) in the quarter-finals this September.