Universidad Católica coach Daniel Garnero lashed out at referee Mario Salvo after a 2-2 draw with Universidad de Concepción in the Copa de la Liga. He disputed the expulsion of José Ignacio Salas and key calls. Goalkeeper Darío Melo shone by saving two penalties late on.
Universidad Católica drew 2-2 with Universidad de Concepción at Estadio Ester Roa Rebolledo amid heavy rain, in matchday 4 of the Copa de la Liga. Played on May 3, 2026 at 12:30 and broadcast on TNT Sports Premium, the result left Ñublense atop Group B with 10 points, UC with 7 and UdeC with 4.
Agustín Urzi scored first at the 3rd minute with a lob over Darío Melo. UC equalized at 12' via Agustín Palavecino's penalty, awarded after VAR review for Osvaldo González's foul on Juan Francisco Rossel. Diego Corral made it 2-1 at 29' from a free-kick rebound, but José Ignacio Salas was sent off at 31' with two quick yellows after clashing with Urzi.
In the second half, David Retamal leveled at 81' with a stunning goal. At 82', referee Mario Salvo awarded a penalty for Cristian Cuevas's foul on Jeison Fuentealba, confirmed by VAR (Matías Assadi). Cecilio Waterman missed two penalties saved by Melo, the second repeated due to invasion.
Coach Daniel Garnero, furious, told TNT Sports: “Nos dejó con un jugador menos porque quiso” (He left us with one less player because he wanted to). In the mixed zone, he added: “La primera amonestación, ¿me la pueden explicar? [...] Hoy los árbitros son todos fisicoculturistas, se pintan, tienen facha, saben el reglamento de memoria. Ahora, en la esencia del juego, se equivocan mucho… mamita querida. Me voy con mucha bronca” (Today referees are all bodybuilders, they paint themselves, have looks, know the rules by heart. But in the essence of the game, they err a lot… my dear. I'm leaving with a lot of anger). He praised his alternate squad, eyeing the upcoming Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro on Wednesday, May 6.
