The Crusaders trailed 0-2, but in the second half an inspired Fernando Zampedri appeared to seal the equalizer. Holan’s side continues to sit atop the table.
Universidad Católica and Unión Española shared the spoils on matchday eight of the 2023 National Championship. Under Ariel Holan, Católica entered La Portada with a mandate to rebound after their Copa Sudamericana exit at the hands of Audax Italiano, a setback that left them without international competition this season. Yet they squandered a chance to extend their lead at the summit after a 2-2 draw.
The opening goal arrived early, as Uruguayan Rodrigo Piñeiro struck in the first minute with a powerful right-foot drive from outside the area to beat Matías Dituro. Unión Española doubled their advantage at the 38th minute: following a defensive lapse by Católica, former Celta de Vigo goalkeeper Dituro committed a foul on Ariel Uribe inside the box, and referee Francisco Gilabert awarded a penalty. Leandro Garate converted from the spot to extend the visitors’ lead.
Catholic University fought back in the reaction, with Fernando Zampedri capitalizing on a miscue between Sebastián Pérez and Manuel Fernández to reduce the deficit. After Sebastián Leyton was sent off in the 60th minute for a reckless challenge on Byron Nieto, Católica surged forward. Zampedri again found the net after a corner kick, pouncing in the small area to seal the late equalizer. In the aftermath, Zampedri reached a personal milestone of 90 goals in 139 competitive appearances for the striped team, two short of Alberto Acosta’s all-time record for the club.
As the result stood, Católica remained the league leaders with 17 points, two clear of their closest chaser Huachipato. Unión Española, guided by Ronald Fuentes who secured their first win of the campaign, sat third with six points.
In the upcoming schedule, the Crusaders would travel to La Florida Bicentennial to face Magallanes. Unión Española, meanwhile, prepared to host Palestino at Santa Laura in a fresh edition of a regional derby.
The following graphs illustrate the team lineups, substitutions, and the key incidents of the match.
LAST! Universidad Católica and Unión Española split points in La Portada.
90’+2 The Unión Española goalkeeper saved the day! Zampedri headed toward goal in the box, but the crossbar denied Católica’s last-ditch comeback attempt.
87’ Goal disallowed for Católica! Zampedri found the net at La Portada, but an earlier offside annulled the effort.
77′ GOOOOOAL CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY! Byron Nieto’s corner finds Zampedri at the near post, and he nets his second of the night.
69′ Goal disallowed for Católica! Zampedri thought he had another, but a prior touch by a Católica player led to the ruling of an offside position.
60′ Leyton sent off for Unión Española! A red card was shown following a challenge on Byron Nieto, confirmed after VAR review.
54′ Católica GOAL! A cross from César Pinares met an error between Sebastián Pérez and Manuel Fernández, allowing Zampedri to finish with a right-foot volley. It was his 89th goal for the club in competitive play.
52′ Católica pressing for a discount! Cristián Cuevas delivered a cross and Alexander Aravena headed it into the gloves of Sebastián Pérez.
38′ GOOOAAL FOR UNION ESPAÑOLA! Leandro Garate coolly converted from the spot to widen the gap in La Serena.
36′ Penalty for Unión Española! Matías Dituro brought down Ariel Uribe in the area after a misdirected shot from below.
35′ Goal disallowed for Unión Española! Manuel Fernández converted, but the play was ruled offside.
20′ ALMOST! Bastián Yáñez delivered a cross to Rodrigo Piñeiro, whose header was saved by the goalkeeper.
1′ GOOOOL FOR UNION ESPAÑOLA! Rodrigo Piñeiro opened the scoring in La Serena with a firm right-foot finish beyond Dituro.
The ball is rolling at La Portada. The match official for this assignment is Francisco Gilbert, with the teams already on the field and ready for kickoff.
Confirmed lineups presented. Católica: Matías Dituro; Byron Nieto, Guillermo Burdisso, Gary Kagelmacher, Eugenio Mena; Ignacio Saavedra, Brayan Rovira; César Pinares, Alexander Aravena; Franco Di Santo and Fernando Zampedri. União Española: Sebastián Pérez; José Tiznado, Jonathan Villagra, Manuel Fernández, Luis Pavez; Ignacio Núñez, Sebastián Leyton, Ariel Uribe; Rodrigo Piñeiro, Bastián Yáñez and Leandro Garate.
Both clubs have met 170 times in the Chilean First Division, with 69 wins for Unión Española, 53 for Católica, and 48 draws. The most recent meeting prior to this one had taken place on October 19, ending 1-2 in favor of Católica thanks to goals from Fernando Zampedri and Yamil Asad. Unión Española has not defeated Católica since May 2021, when they won 3-2 at Santa Laura.
Dressing room in good spirits after a competitive performance.
GO BEYOND THE SHIRT—a moment to reflect on what this team represents.
Hernán Contreras photo
– Unión Española (@UEoficial) March 12, 2023
This is how both clubs arrived at La Portada: a night of intense rivalry and strategic maneuvering.
Good evening everyone. GOAL offers a detailed look at the match between Cruzados and Hispanics, valid for the eighth date of the National Championship.
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