Colo Colo downplays Superclasico stakes despite 13 points on the line

Thirteen points. That's the number circling in the back of every Colo Colo mind heading into Sunday, even if everyone in Macul is pretending not to hear it. A win in the Superclasico against Universidad de Chile would give the Albos that cushion over their eternal rival with ten matchdays left in the Liga de Primera season. It's a massive gap, sure, but one the locker room isn't ready to say out loud just yet.

Diego Ulloa, the team's left back and one of the leaders of the defense, was the one tasked with taking the edge off the mood at the pre-match press conference. The left-footed defender, born in Recoleta, didn't mince words: winning means nothing more than three points, no matter how symbolic they might be.

The game is going to be very intense. Both because of the way we play and because of the opponent we're facing. That's how we've prepared for it. If we win, and we're going to go for it, it'll be a great victory that will give us a lot more confidence.Diego Ulloa

The comment makes one thing clear: Colo Colo knows this Superclasico carries different weight this time. It's not just about the historic rivalry, it's about what's on the line in the standings. Still, Ulloa insisted the club won't get swept up in the euphoria of a single result, no matter that it comes against the U.

Taking it week by week

The defender was emphatic about repeating the message that, he said, has driven the team's approach all season: don't get ahead of yourselves. "Winning the Superclasico doesn't make us champions," he warned, making clear the squad has no intention of easing off even if the table lead balloons into double digits. For Ulloa, that match-by-match mentality is exactly what explains the team's strong form right now.

The defender also brought up a line from his coach, Fernando Ortiz, that has practically become a mantra within the squad: "clasicos are won, not just played." Ulloa admitted that games like this stir up a mix of excitement and responsibility for him, and he thanked the coaching staff for the trust they've placed in him this season.

Asked about the controversy over the absence of visiting fans at Estadio Nacional, the player steered clear of the underlying debate and kept his focus on the football side of things. He acknowledged that playing in front of Colo Colo supporters would matter, but made clear the squad feels the fans' backing whether or not they're physically in the stands, and that it won't change the team's approach to going after the result.

With that message, Colo Colo arrives at Sunday with the calm of a team that knows it holds a significant advantage, but with the caution of one unwilling to take anything for granted against a rival that, even sitting in second place, always poses a different kind of test in the Liga de Primera.