Universidad de Chile beat Deportes La Serena 5-0 at Estadio La Portada in the Copa de la Liga. Fernando Gago's side capitalized on opponents' defensive errors with several young players starting, now topping their group with seven points. La Serena has been eliminated from the tournament.
Universidad de Chile convincingly defeated Deportes La Serena on Saturday, May 2, at Estadio La Portada in the fourth matchday of Group D in the Copa de la Liga. Goals came early: Agustín Arce in the 11th minute, Juan Martín Lucero at 30' and 31', Ignacio Vásquez at 43', Maxi Guerrero at 61' and again at 63' for the final 5-0.
Fernando Gago started young players like Agustín Arce, Ignacio Vásquez and Lucas Barrera in key positions, despite Charles Aránguiz, Javier Altamirano and Lucas Assadi being available. "The internal competition will always be there. Here all players compete and whoever is better will be in the starting eleven," said the Argentine coach. He added: "This will be done independent of the name or if young or if it's Charles or whoever it is".
The blues top the group with seven points, level with Audax Italiano and Unión La Calera but with a better goal difference (+6). Gago praised the high press and fluidity: "Everything went perfectly and the boys executed very well the actions we foresaw".
Felipe Gutiérrez, La Serena's coach, took responsibility: "It's complex to analyze the result and we must assume the criticism, I take responsibility for this". The papayeros, with one point, were eliminated.
