---
title: "Ortiz Bets on Kids for Copa Chile Clash"
description: "Colo Colo shifts to a back-four and starts three academy products to seal a Copa Chile Round of 16 spot."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/la-sorpresiva-formaci-n-que-prepara-colo-colo-para-enfrentar-67a6e1b4
published: 2026-07-03T05:58:54.268+00:00
updated: 2026-07-03T05:58:54.268+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["motorsport"]
---

# Ortiz Bets on Kids for Copa Chile Clash

> Colo Colo shifts to a back-four and starts three academy products to seal a Copa Chile Round of 16 spot.

Fernando Ortiz is tearing up the script for Colo Colo’s Copa Chile Round of 16 clash, ditching the back-three for a defensive four and throwing three academy teenagers into the fire against O’Higgins.

The Cacique travels to Estadio El Teniente on Thursday night knowing a victory secures a knockout-stage berth with two matches to spare.

With Arturo Vidal rested and injuries biting into the squad depth, Ortiz has rolled the dice on a trident of youth: 18-year-old Leandro Hernández, 19-year-old Yastin Cuevas, and 20-year-old Francisco Marchant.

They will feature in a bold 4-3-3 setup, flanked by right-back Vicente Martínez, as the manager looks to rotate his squad without dropping momentum.

This isn't just rotation; it is a statement of faith in the academy system.

The injuries to regulars forced Ortiz's hand, but the inclusion of three untested teenagers in a high-stakes cup tie signals a willingness to bleed the kids now rather than later.

The squad arrived in Rancagua focused on the task, with the manager emphasizing that preparation has been sharp despite the personnel overhaul.

A win punches the ticket immediately, validating the gamble and allowing Ortiz to rest key players for the league run.

A slip-up turns the final two group games into a nervous slog to qualify.

## Why this matters

This match defines the depth of Colo Colo’s title defense. By shifting tactics and trusting teenagers in a must-win cup tie, Ortiz is testing whether the academy can sustain the club’s silverware ambitions. Securing qualification early relieves pressure on the squad, but the performance of Hernández, Cuevas, and Marchant will dictate the long-term success of this season's roster management.

## Frequently asked

### Why did Fernando Ortiz change the formation?

Ortiz shifted from a back-three to a back-four to accommodate the inclusion of youth players and manage the squad's injury crisis, aiming for a more defensive structure against O’Higgins.

### Which academy players are starting for Colo Colo?

The Cacique is handing starts to teenagers Leandro Hernández and Yastin Cuevas, along with 20-year-old Francisco Marchant, as part of a heavily rotated XI designed to test academy depth.

### Is Arturo Vidal playing against O’Higgins?

No, Vidal has been rested for this Copa Chile clash as part of Fernando Ortiz's rotation strategy to manage fatigue and keep the veteran fresh for upcoming league fixtures.

### What is at stake for Colo Colo in this game?

A victory on Thursday night secures Colo Colo’s place in the Copa Chile Round of 16 with two games to spare, avoiding a stressful finish to the group stage and allowing further rotation.

## Sources & Citations

- [La sorpresiva formación que prepara Colo Colo para enfrentar a O’Higgins](https://dalealbo.cl/copa-chile/la-sorpresiva-formacion-que-prepara-colo-colo-para-enfrentar-a-ohiggins-varios-juveniles) — GNews.io (2026-07-01)

---

Cite: Ortiz Bets on Kids for Copa Chile Clash. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/la-sorpresiva-formaci-n-que-prepara-colo-colo-para-enfrentar-67a6e1b4