CONMEBOL Selects Unexpected Venue for U de Chile vs Alianza Lima Match

CONMEBOL has announced a surprising location for the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana 2025 quarterfinal match between Universidad de Chile and Alianza Lima. This decision comes after weeks of speculation and has drawn various reactions.

The first leg will occur on September 18 at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima. The return match, scheduled for September 25, will take place at Estadio Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso in Coquimbo. This venue was chosen because Santiago’s Estadio Nacional is not available, as it will be hosting events for the Under-20 World Cup.

Additionally, the second leg will be held without fans, as Universidad de Chile is serving a seven-match stadium ban in Conmebol tournaments due to previous violent incidents against Independiente in Argentina.

There were also concerns that the quarterfinal might be suspended if Independiente appealed their elimination. However, Chilean outlet ADN Deportes reported that CONMEBOL has ruled this out. They confirmed that the match will proceed as scheduled, with the Tribunal of Justice expected to provide a final ruling on Independiente’s appeals on the same day.

This confirmation means the crucial match will be held in Coquimbo under unique conditions, adding more interest to the Sudamericana tournament.