The 16 teams remain in the fight for Chile 4 of the Copa Libertadores 2024, with fate still to be decided in tight clashes across the country. The Chilean Cup 2023 reaches its conclusion through a series of regional battles that divide Chile into four zones, and after intense zone quarterfinals, the path opens to the semifinals and the emergence of the 16 best teams in the league.
The field is already starting to take shape as O’Higgins, representing the University of Chile program, secured a place in the next round with a decisive push that could pair them against Audax Italiano or Rengo Sport in the upcoming fixtures. The squad advanced through the direct elimination rounds to set up a semifinal bid. Santiago Morning has filed a report and awaits a matchup from the North Central region. Unión Española joined the South Central bloc after a hard edge over Barnechea, while Everton earned a 5-1 victory over San Felipe. Universidad Católica left Wanderers on the road with a confident 2-0 win, and the University of Concepción defeated Vial in a regional classic to join the 16, matching Colo Colo by beating Unión La Calera in Macul with a 6-1 result.
In the northern section, Cobresal and Coquimbo Unido stood as the region’s representatives, with Copiapó and Deportes La Serena, the latter eliminated on penalties, falling short of the semifinals. Yet Deportes La Serena had previously claimed a spot by outperforming Deportes Antofagasta in a dramatic desert battle. San Marcos de Arica earned the final quota in the north by reclaiming the classic against Deportes Iquique in the Tierra de Campeones.
In the southern portion, Deportes Puerto Montt and Osorno clashed in a tight 1-0 victory at Chinquihue, signaling a strong start for southern squads. Deportes Temuco then eliminated Huachipato on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Rangers joined the progress parade after beating Comunic Cabrero on the road. The final southern qualifier came through Magallanes, and with a standout performance from Joaquín Larrivey, the Carabeleros defeated Unión Española 3-0 to advance.
As the semifinals approach, the copper loa bracket saw San Marcos de Arica bow out on penalties after a 4-2 shootout when White held firm, and Temuco smashed Puerto Montt in the ninth region. O’Higgins kept their momentum alive by defeating Audax Italiano in La Florida.
THE GAMES, A SINGLE MATCH:
Northern zone
1/7 – 3:30 pm copper loa 0(4)-0(2) San Marcos de Arica
Coquimbo Unido vs. Cobresal
North Central Zone
Colo Colo vs. Palestinian
Universidad Católica vs. Everton
South Central Zone
7/3 – 19:00 Audax Italiano 0-2 O’Higgins
Unión Española vs. Magallanes
South Zone
18/7 – 7:00 PM Rangers vs. Universidad de Concepción
2/7 – 3:00 PM Temuco 3-0 Puerto Montt
Notes: The schedule reflects the evolving knockout format where each match decides who advances to the next round, shaping the field of 16 teams for the regional semifinals and beyond. The results highlighted demonstrate the depth of talent across Chile and the rising competition for a coveted place in the Libertadores stage this season.
Source: Goal