Deportes Iquique defeated Unión La Calera 2-1 at the Nicolás Chahuán stadium, securing a crucial win that narrows the gap with teams above in the relegation table. Álvaro Ramos and Misael Dávila scored for the Dragones Celestes in a match marked by a rival player's expulsion. This result pressures Unión Española, who face Colo Colo this weekend.
The match, played in the Valparaíso region, started intensely for Iquique, who needed the three points to keep their hopes of staying in Primera División alive. At the ninth minute, Álvaro Ramos opened the scoring with an acrobatic goal after a rebound from the rival goalkeeper, fueling the northerners' hopes. However, Joaquín Soto equalized for La Calera at the 30th minute, restoring uncertainty to the game.
In the second half, Misael Dávila extended the lead with an impeccable header, sealing the 2-1 at halftime. The situation favored Iquique when, at the 56th minute, Fabrizio Tomarelli from La Calera was sent off after a VAR review, leaving the cementeros with ten players. Despite several close chances for the hosts to tie and a shot from Ramos stopped by goalkeeper Peña in stoppage time, the visitors held on and claimed the three points.
"We're going to fight until the end. There are still possibilities, we'll keep going until the last one, this was an important step, we know it's difficult, but we're going to fight to stay in the category," Ramos told TNT Sports. With this win, Iquique reaches 18 points and remains in last place, but narrows the gap with Unión Española (21 points) and Deportes Limache (22 points).
The 2025 championship, now up to date after 26 rounds, has Coquimbo Unido as champions and qualified for the Copa Libertadores. In the lower zone, Iquique could be mathematically relegated this weekend if they lose and Limache and Everton win. Unión Española hosts Colo Colo, who are chasing a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, in a key match for the hispanos.