Fernando Gago set for first Superclásico as Universidad de Chile boss against Colo Colo at the Nacional

It hasn't kicked off yet, and it's already carrying weight. This Sunday, at Estadio Nacional, Universidad de Chile hosts Colo Colo in the Superclásico of the Campeonato Nacional, and for Fernando Gago it will be a special first: his debut derby against the Albos since taking over the blue bench.

The match arrives with the standings tight. Colo Colo sits as a solid leader, and the U needs points to keep pace with the Cacique. That's precisely the context Gago prefers to handle with caution, even if he doesn't hide his ambition.

The Argentine coach spoke with TNT Sports ahead of the clash and made clear that every Superclásico reads differently, regardless of history or table position.

They're all different. Each one has its own particularity based on history, moments in the match. Based on where each side stands going into the game, with a lot of desire, a lot of excitement, because we're playing in front of our fans and it's important to put in a good performance.Fernando Gago

Beyond the historic rivalry, Gago stressed that his focus is on what he can control: his own team. He knows Colo Colo is arriving in great form, having racked up three straight wins, but he also knows a win for the U would change the outlook of the second half of the season.

They're a team that's been picking up a lot of points. We need to close the gap and we have the chance to do it. We don't depend on anyone else, this will be a great test to see where we want to stand, to understand that we can close the distance and that's the goal through the end of the year.Fernando Gago

The tactical duel with Ortiz

On the other bench will be Fernando Ortiz, another Argentine with whom Gago already shares recent history. Their paths crossed in Mexico in 2024, when the current U coach was in charge of Chivas and his Colo Colo counterpart was leading Monterrey; in that meeting, Gago came away with the win.

Asked about that history and about the rival he'll face this time, the Universidad de Chile strategist was direct:

I know Fernando. We've faced each other more as coaches, I don't remember playing against him as a player. He's got a long track record and a team that plays the way he likes, and we'll try to bring the match to the terms we want to play on.Fernando Gago

Gago's plan seems clear: don't let the derby be played on the terms that suit Colo Colo, but impose his own script at the Nacional. With hopes of closing the gap and the weight of a first Superclásico on his shoulders, the blue coach faces a test this Sunday that, in his own words, will help measure exactly where his team stands with the rest of the year still to play.