Universidad Católica and Ñublense drew 1-1 at Claro Arena in the fifth round of Group B in the Copa de la Liga. The hosts took the lead through Justo Giani, but Giovanny Ávalos equalized in the final minute. Both teams finished with ten players.
The match began with UC controlling possession, though without creating many clear chances. At the 27th minute, Ñublense's Diego Céspedes received his second yellow card and was sent off. Justo Giani took advantage of the numerical superiority and scored the 1-0 at the 31st minute after an assist from Jhojan Valencia.
Near the end of the first half, UC's Matías Palavecino was sent off for a hard challenge on Jovanny Campusano following a VAR review. The second half unfolded with ten players per side and few emotions until the closing minutes.
In added time, Ñublense secured the draw with a goal from Giovanny Ávalos. The Chillán side leads the group with 11 points and needs only a draw in their next match to reach the semifinals. UC, on eight points, must beat Cobresal and hope Ñublense loses.
