Coquimbo Unido beat O'Higgins 1-0 in Rancagua, inching closer to their first championship in 67 years. Matías Palavecino scored the decisive goal, and Diego Sánchez saved a penalty in added time to secure the win. With a streak of 13 consecutive victories, the Pirates need just one more win to be crowned champions.
The match at Estadio El Teniente was epic for Coquimbo Unido. In a gritty first half, the Pirates held 44% possession without conceding shots on target, thanks to their solid defense led by Diego Sánchez, the team with the fewest goals against in the league. The breakthrough came early in the second half: at minute 46, Matías Palavecino capitalized on a blunder by defender Alan Robledo to slot home a left-footed shot to the near post past goalkeeper Carabalí, making it 1-0.
O'Higgins pushed for an equalizer, but Coquimbo retreated effectively, bringing on Elvis Hernández to bolster the backline with five defenders. The drama peaked in added time: at 90'+8', a penalty for the hosts after Manuel Fernández's foul on Arnaldo Castillo, who had been sent off moments earlier for kicking Sebastián Galani. Bryan Rabello stepped up at minute 102, but Sánchez, the match's star, dove right and saved it, extending the unbeaten run to 13 games—the last non-win was a 0-0 draw against Palestino in May.
With 62 points and a 14-point lead over Universidad Católica, Coquimbo has 19 wins in 25 matches, their best campaign ever. On Sunday, November 2, they host Unión La Calera at Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso; a win will crown them champions and secure a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.
Diego Sánchez, the black-and-gold hero, shared his joy: “With so much emotion over how the game went. We fought hard against a very tough rival who was unbeaten in Rancagua. We're here to break the mold, staying humble. Happy for another step forward; it's getting closer.” On the save, he said: “The coach always works with the goalkeepers. It was important for me that Bryan (Rabello) took it because I know him.” He admitted his nerves: “During the week, I feel like hell, very anxious because I want this to end soon.”
Cristián Zavala, key in attack, celebrated: “Personally, I lived it very emotionally. I think we all did, because these things don't happen often, they don't repeat. Crazy how Mono saved the penalty in the last minute. I'm all in.” He praised the fans: “1,500 people traveled, families, eight hours by bus [...] We're making history and that's what we want most, to keep marking it. Big hug to the fans; the whole region deserves it.”
