Universidad Católica edged Palestino 2-1 at Claro Arena, securing crucial points to lead the race for Chile 2 spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Goals from Fernando Zampedri and Eduard Bello tipped the scales in a tense match where the hosts withstood Arab pressure. Coach Daniel Garnero praised the performance and urged Bello to stay.
In a match played at Claro Arena before about 16,000 spectators, Universidad Católica faced Palestino in Matchday 28 of the Primera Liga. The hosts, led by Daniel Garnero, lined up in a 4-1-4-1 with Gary Medel returning from suspension, alongside Eduardo Bello, Alfred Canales, Jhojan Valencia, Clemente Montes, and Fernando Zampedri up front.
Palestino, under Lucas Bovaglio, pressed early, creating chances like Julián Fernández's shot off the crossbar in the 18th minute and Junior Arias' one-on-one in the 20th. However, in the 29th, a dubious penalty for a foul on Montes allowed Zampedri to open the scoring at 33 with a precise shot, his 16th goal of the tournament.
In the second half, Palestino equalized at 56 with a header from Junior Marabel on a corner, capitalizing on a poor clearance by Vicente Bernedo. Three minutes later, Bello replied with a left-footed strike after a pass from Valencia, sealing the 2-1 at 59.
The visitors persisted with crosses and left-wing attacks via Jonathan Benítez, but the Catholic defense, with Tomás Astaburuaga and Benjamín Ampuero, held firm. Garnero praised the resilience: “I'm calm and happy... the team has alternatives that give us possibilities”. On Bello, who has three goals since the stadium's inauguration, he said: “He is highly regarded and we want him to stay”.
With 54 points, Católica pulls four ahead of O’Higgins, who face U next. Palestino, missing Sebastián Pérez, remain in the Sudamericana fight.
