Chilean Supercup
The Chilean Supercup kicks off the football season with a clash between the previous year's Primera División champions and Copa Chile winners. If one side claims both, the league runners-up step in. This fixture serves as a vital form test, often foreshadowing dominance in the campaigns ahead.
History and foundation
Launched officially in 2014 as Supercopa de Chile, it formalized prior unofficial showdowns. The inaugural clash on February 1 saw Universidad de Chile thump Universidad de Deportes 2-0. From 2022, a playoff format with four top teams was introduced. Colo-Colo has ruled recently, securing three straight wins by 2024. Notably, the 2020 edition fell victim to COVID-19, and the 2015 game halted amid fan pitch invasions.
Tournament format
Originally a one-off neutral-venue affair, sometimes in the US for buzz. Since 2022, it's a mini-tournament: semis and final featuring league champs, cup holders, Copa Chile winners, and Apertura toppers. Held July-August, 90 minutes plus extra time and penalties if needed.
Interesting facts
Averaging 2.8 goals per match, it favors tight defenses. Top scorer Carlos Muñoz (Universidad de Chile) nets 4. Stars include Arturo Vidal, who shone early at Colo-Colo with a pivotal strike; Alexander Medel, 2017 winner with Universidad de Chile; recent standouts like Rafael Holmes and Fernando Gutiérrez, whose flair has lit up finals.