Universidad Católica needed to defeat Ñublense to remain in contention for the Copa de la Liga, one of the season's objectives (the prize is to be the third Chilean team to qualify for the 2027 Libertadores). At the Claro Arena, the "cruzados" (Catholics) disappointed. They were held to a 1-1 draw in the final minute and are no longer solely in control of their own fate regarding qualification.
The "Diablos Rojos" (Red Devils) arrived at San Carlos de Apoquindo as leaders of Group B. A victory in the foothills of the Andes would have secured their immediate qualification to the semifinals. Therefore, the pressure was primarily on the home team. In that sense, Daniel Garnero made very few changes. Nine of the starting players were the same as in the draw against Cruzeiro last Wednesday. The only changes were in goal (Darío Melo replacing Bernedo) and in midfield (Matías Palavecino replacing Mena, which meant Cuevas moved to left back).
In the first half, both teams would end up with players sent off, but the game largely favored Universidad Católica. However, this didn't mean they had a clear advantage over the visitors. When they had possession, it was difficult to find space against the tight defense of Ñublense, which formed a line of five when defending.
Palavecino, who would later become a controversial figure, had to retreat to the level of Jhojan Valencia to receive the ball and try to create passes. In Garnero's 4-1-4-1 formation, the Argentine number 10 played as an inside forward, but was too far from Zampedri to act as a direct link. On the right, Clemente Montes created some danger...
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Universidad Católica needed to defeat Ñublense to remain in contention for the Copa de la Liga, one of the team's season goals (the prize is a spot as Chile's third representative in the 2027 Libertadores). At the Claro Arena, the Cruzados disappointed. They were tied 1-1 in the final minute and are no longer in control of their own fate for qualification. Ñublense arrived at San Carlos de Apoquindo leading Group B. A victory would have secured their immediate qualification. Therefore, the pressure was primarily on the home team. In response, coach Daniel Garnero made only minor changes. Nine players from the previous Wednesday's draw against Cruzeiro were retained. The only changes were in goal (Darío Melo replacing Bernedo) and in midfield (Matías Palavecino replacing Mena, which shifted Cuevas to left back). The first half saw both teams receive red cards, but the game largely favored Universidad Católica. However, this didn't translate to a dominant performance. When Católica had possession, it was difficult to find space against Ñublense's tight defense, which formed a line of five in their own half. Palavecino, who would later become a controversial figure, had to drop back to the level of Jhojan Valencia to receive the ball and try to create passing opportunities. In Garnero's 4-1-4-1 formation, the Argentine number 10 played as an inside midfielder, but was too far from Zampedri. On the right, Clemente Montes created some danger with a low cross that Nicola Pérez cleared with his foot (23'). On the left, Justo Giani was less involved. The game shifted when Diego Céspedes of Ñublense was sent off for two yellow cards (27'), opening up an opportunity for Católica, which they only partially capitalized on. Giani, who had been relatively quiet, scored the 1-0 goal in the 31st minute, finishing between Pérez's legs after receiving a precise pass from Valencia. The Colombian midfielder created a brilliant individual play. Everything seemed to indicate that the day would be favorable for Universidad Católica. However, that wasn't the case. While having an extra player, they were inaccurate. They failed to capitalize on opportunities in the opponent's half. The numerical advantage disappeared before halftime. Palavecino, one of the most prominent signings of the summer transfer window (thanks to his excellent 2025 season with Coquimbo), has struggled to find his form at Católica. He has only shown glimpses of his potential. To this, we must add his red card on Sunday. In a counter-attack, he exaggerated a supposed blow to the face of Campusano (which didn't exist). As he fell, he made contact with the back of the defender. This was a serious foul that led to a VAR review and a red card shown by José Cabero. The second half was played with 10 players on each side. In addition to attacking, Montes and Giani had to support the defense on the flanks. As in the first half, Católica's attacks were not finished effectively. The narrow lead was precarious. The second half was uneventful, with few scoring chances. After the 70th minute, Universidad Católica began to pressure Ñublense's defense. The clearest chances came in a sequence: Zampedri hit the crossbar, and then Montes' shot was blocked by a defender. The introduction of Jimmy Martínez provided more stability in midfield. All the counter-attacks that Universidad Católica failed to capitalize on ultimately proved costly. In the final minute, Giovanny Ávalos scored the 1-1 equalizer, which was essentially a victory for Ñublense, as it was a crucial step towards the semifinals. Disappointment was evident on the faces of the Universidad Católica players at the Claro Arena. Ñublense leads Group B with 11 points. They only need a draw against U. de Concepción at home to advance in the Copa de la Liga. Católica remains with 8 points. They will finish the group stage by hosting Cobresal and must win, while also hoping that Ñublense loses.