Curicó Unido advances to quarterfinals after dramatic second-leg draw
SANTIAGO — Defending champions Universidad de Chile have been eliminated from the Copa Chile Coca Cola Sin Azúcar 2025 after a 2-2 draw against Curicó Unido on Wednesday night at Estadio Nacional. The aggregate score favored the visitors, who secured a surprising quarterfinal berth.
Early hopes fade for Universidad de Chile
The home side, managed by Gustavo Álvarez, entered the match trailing 2-1 from the first leg. With the return of key players from international duty, including Nicolás Fernández, Matías Sepúlveda, and Maximiliano Guerrero, the team hoped to reverse the deficit.
Universidad de Chile dominated early proceedings, creating multiple chances in the first 15 minutes. However, Curicó Unido, led by head coach Héctor Almandoz, resisted pressure and posed threats on the counterattack.
After a series of missed opportunities, Matías Zaldivia broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 37th minute, leveling the aggregate score and reigniting the home crowd’s hopes.
Curicó Unido delivers decisive blows
The second half started disastrously for Universidad de Chile. Within seconds, Ian Aliaga unleashed a powerful shot from distance to restore Curicó Unido’s aggregate lead. Nicolás Fernández extended their advantage in the 69th minute following a quick counterattack and multiple rebounds in the box.
Though Universidad de Chile continued to press, they struggled to break through Curicó Unido’s defense. Substitute Lucas Assadi managed to equalize in stoppage time (90+1′), but the late goal was not enough to save their title defense.
Quarterfinals await Curicó Unido
With the aggregate win, Curicó Unido advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Audax Italiano vs. Deportes Temuco series.
Universidad de Chile, now out of Copa Chile contention, will shift focus to league play as they face Coquimbo Unido this weekend in a crucial Primera División fixture.
Match Lineups
Universidad de Chile
Starting XI: Gabriel Castellón; Nicolás Fernández (Nicolás Guerra, 71′), Franco Calderón, Matías Zaldivia; Maximiliano Guerrero, Marcelo Díaz (Fabián Hormazábal, 71′), Charles Aránguiz, Matías Sepúlveda; Javier Altamirano (Lucas Assadi, 64′); Leandro Fernández (Israel Poblete, 78′), Rodrigo Contreras (Lucas Di Yorio, 64′).
Coach: Gustavo Álvarez
Curicó Unido
Starting XI: Hernán Muñoz; Joaquín González, Henry Sanhueza, Francisco Oliver, Ronald de la Fuente; Williams Sáez (Nicolás Fernández, 45′; Matías Ormazábal, 81′), Braulio Guisolfo, Carlos Herrera, Yerko Leiva (Nicolás Barrios, 78′); Cristián Bustamante (Ian Aliaga, 45′), Diego Rojas (Felipe Ortiz, 90+2′).
Coach: Héctor Almandoz
