The San Juan Association team aims to deliver a surprising result in their key matchup against the Miners, pursuing a historic advance into the quarterfinals. In their Chilean Cup journey, Cobresal kicks off their 2023 campaign this Sunday by facing Union Bellavista, a regional clash that marks the start of the northern zone phase. This traditional tournament brings together clubs from multiple divisions and showcases a wide range of talent across the country.
The San Juan Association earned their spot in this stage with a dominant 6-0 victory over La Higuera. The scorers included Eladio Herrera, Alan Muñoz, Renato Tarifeño who struck twice, Gary Tello, and Ángel Carreño, setting the table for an ambitious challenge against the miners who lifted the competition title once, back in 1987, defeating Colo Colo 2-0 at the Antofagasta Regional Stadium. Sergio Salgado and Iván Zamorano were the names on the scoresheet in that memorable final.
Locally, the Legionnaires had just defeated Cacique 3-1 at El Cobre, a result that lifts them to sixth place in the National Championship standings with 14 points. They sit seven points behind the league leaders, Huachipato, setting the stage for a pivotal clash in the Cup that could tilt momentum in their favor. The team that wins this Cup tie will advance to meet Deportes Copiapó, who won a road victory at Provincial Ovalle with a 2-1 scoreline under the Punitaqui municipality’s governance.
TNT Sports holds exclusive rights to broadcast this match. In a decision aimed at balancing viewership with strategic coverage, the broadcaster chose not to air the live feed, instead focusing on comprehensive postgame analysis and live updates as the action unfolds. The decision underscores the evolving landscape of Cup coverage and the appetite of fans for minute-by-minute reports and expert commentary across platforms.
This regional confrontation is part of a broader campaign that sees teams from northern Chile compete for a prestigious spot in the national knockout rounds. Both Cobresal and the San Juan Association approach the match with distinct histories and ambitions. Cobresal, with a tradition of Cup contention and a strong home support in northern communities, seeks to leverage local pride and a compact, organized play style to edge past Union Bellavista. The San Juan Association, meanwhile, arrives with a momentum from their recent Cup success and the belief that their tactical shape can unsettle a team with Cup experience. The outcome will add another chapter to their ongoing pursuit of deeper runs in the tournament and potential domestic acclaim.
As the regional phase advances, the focus remains on controlled play, disciplined defense, and efficient finishing. Fans are watching closely as the teams balance Cup responsibilities with provincial league schedules, aiming to maximize qualification chances while curating memorable moments for supporters across the country. The next steps in the Cup will determine not only the path forward in this season but also the way these clubs are perceived within the national football landscape. The Cup continues to offer a platform where regional clubs can showcase talent, inspire younger players, and demonstrate the depth of competition across Chile. This match promises to deliver intensity, strategic depth, and a clear narrative about who is ready to push further in a tournament that captures the imagination of fans from coast to coast.
Source: Goal