Coquimbo Unido, Chilean champions, returned to the Copa Libertadores after 34 years and secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Uruguay's Nacional at Estadio Sánchez Rumoroso. Sebastián Coates scored for the visitors with a header in the 22nd minute, while Manuel Fernández equalized in the fifth minute of stoppage time from a rebound.
Coquimbo Unido faced Uruguay's Nacional in their Copa Libertadores group stage debut, marking their return to the continental tournament after 34 years away since their only previous appearance in 1992 under José Sulantay. The match took place at Coquimbo's Estadio Sánchez Rumoroso, where the Pirates, coached by Hernán Caputto, earned a valuable point.
Nacional took the lead in the 22nd minute with a header from Sebastián Coates off a corner kick by Nicolás Lodeiro. Coquimbo had a goal disallowed in the 7th minute due to a foul by Manuel Fernández on goalkeeper Luis Suárez, and another in the 64th for Leandro Cornejo's offside position.
The Chileans controlled possession in the second half but struggled to create clear chances. Substitutions including Lucas Pratto for Nicolás Johansen and Martín Mundaca for Alejandro Azócar aimed to boost the attack. In the 79th minute, Fernández headed toward goal, but Coates cleared off the line.
The equalizer came in the 94th minute: Pratto shot, Suárez parried the rebound, and Fernández tapped in for 1-1, sparking local celebrations. Nacional, with greater continental experience, could not hold the lead.
Coquimbo will visit Universitario de Lima on Tuesday the 14th in their next Group B match.
