Universidad Católica defeated Universidad de Concepción 2-1 at Claro Arena in the first matchday of Group B in the Copa de la Liga, without star striker Fernando Zampedri due to back pain. Justo Giani scored from the penalty spot and Diego Valencia headed in the winner for the comeback.
Universidad Católica began the Copa de la Liga with a 2-1 win over Universidad de Concepción at Claro Arena, in a Group B match alongside Cobresal and Ñublense. Daniel Garnero's side was without Fernando Zampedri due to back pain, as well as Juan Ignacio Díaz, Eugenio Mena, and Jimmy Martínez. Youth players Juan Francisco Rossel and Nicolás L’Huillier started, with Daniel González improvising as right back after returning from injury. Former president Gabriel Boric attended the game. Early on, UC created chances with González at the 12th and 15th minutes, but Christofer Mesías opened the scoring for UdeC at the 24th on a pass from Agustín Urzi. Before halftime, VAR spotted a handball by Leonel González on a header, awarding a penalty that Justo Giani converted at 45'+3 for 1-1. In the second half, Walter Montes and Diego Valencia substituted at the 62nd for the youngsters. Martín Ramírez was sent off at the 70th for aggression on Agustín Farías, leaving UdeC with 10 men. Diego Valencia headed the 2-1 winner at the 76th, assisted by Matías Palavecino. At the 80th, VAR expelled Palavecino for an arm movement against Oyanedel. UC held on for the win and will face Ñublense on Wednesday the 25th in Chillán.
