Chilean striker Humberto 'Chupete' Suazo played his final professional match on Friday in a 0-0 draw between San Luis and Deportes Copiapó in the Primera B. At 44 years old, the idol from Llolleo received an emotional tribute at Quillota's Lucio Fariña Fernández stadium. The result left Copiapó and Universidad de Concepción tied at 52 points, setting up a decisive clash next week.
The day in Quillota was unforgettable for Humberto Suazo's farewell, who after 25 years of career and 377 goals entered the field at the 65th minute, replacing Javier Retamales. The crowd of 6,500 spectators stood and applauded at the 26th minute, his iconic number, with fireworks and a 'Thanks Chupete' on the screens. Teammates and rivals hugged him at the end, along with referee Fernando Vejar, in a show of widespread affection.
The match, crucial for promotion, ended 0-0. Deportes Copiapó, with 51 prior points, needed a win and for Universidad de Concepción not to triumph against Deportes Temuco. However, the Campanil won 3-2, with early goals from Sebastián Molina, a third from Iam González, and discounts from Matías Donoso and Luis Acevedo. Copiapó's goalkeeper Julio Fierro shone with key saves, like against Nicolás Molina in the 56th.
Emotional, Suazo spoke to TNT Sports in tears: “Scoring many goals, making many people happy, is emotional. I was focused on not crying, but I have tremendous emotion”. He recalled his late father Pedro: “It's what I always dreamed of, that he had seen me play. [...] For many kids, it's possible; it was hard for me to get started, but I set out to lift my family forward”. On his retirement: “Injuries weren't letting me play at the level the team needed. I was going to stay one year and ended up playing five (since 2020). I leave calmly, fulfilling all my dreams. Thank all the clubs I passed through”.
Now, Copiapó and Universidad de Concepción, both with 52 points, will face off on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at Luis Valenzuela Hermosilla stadium. A draw would lead to a defining match for promotion to Primera División.
