O'Higgins vs Sao Paulo prediction 07.05.2026 | CONMEBOL Sudamericana

O'Higgins return to Copa Sudamericana action after a 1:1 draw against Deportes Limache in the Chilean Copa de la Liga last weekend. Thiago Vecino’s late goal secured a point for Lucas Bovaglio’s side. 

A strong run of form has seen the Chileans win three successive fixtures, including a 2:0 Copa Sudamericana win against Boston River in the past month. 

La Celeste have performed well in Group C, picking up two wins from three games. Their only defeat was a hard-fought 2:0 reversal against Sao Paulo in April. 

Strong in defence, only one of the hosts’s last seven games finished with over 2.5 goals scored. All three of their continental fixtures also ended with two goals or less.

Head coach Bovaglio has two confirmed absentees this week. Alan Robledo is sidelined with a knee injury, while Esteban Calderón is out due to an adductor tear.

Sao Paulo arrive in Chile on the back of consecutive draws secured in the past week. The Brazilians were held to a goalless draw against Millonarios before a 2:2 Serie A draw against Bahia last weekend. 

Roger Machado’s men have been in somewhat mixed form in recent weeks, with three wins, two draws and two defeats recorded in seven games played since mid-April.

Like the hosts, Sao Paulo have made a strong start to their Copa Sudamericana campaign, though. The Tricolor sit top of the section with seven points collected from three games played. 

Low-scoring outcomes have been frequent, with six of eight previous matches, including that 0:0 stalemate against Millonarious, finishing with under 2.5 goals scored. All three of their Group C matches also ended with two goals or less.

Head coach Machado has four expected absentees ahead of the trip to Rancagua. Ryan Francisco is ruled out with a cruciate ligament tear, while Pablo Maia is sidelined with a facial fracture. Marcos Antônio is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, and Rafael Tolói is out with a calf problem.