Cobreloa and Deportes Concepción face off on Sunday in the return leg of the final for the second promotion to Primera División at Estadio Zorros del Desierto. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the winner will return to Chilean football's top tier, with extra time and penalties if tied. Both clubs aim to revive their storied past in the elite division.
The clash between Cobreloa and Deportes Concepción marks a historic date for both teams, yearning for a return to Primera División after years away. The first leg, played at Estadio Ester Roa Rebolledo before 29,000 spectators, ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving everything open for the decisive match in Calama.
If there's no winner in regular time, 30 minutes of extra time will follow, and if still tied, penalties will decide the promoted side. Cobreloa practiced penalty kicks, while the penquistas have not done so in the liguilla.
Cobreloa, regarded as Chile's fourth biggest club, holds eight national titles, one Copa Chile, and two Copa Libertadores finals. Relegated for the second time on November 10, 2024—first in 2015—it took eight years to reach this stage again. Under historic coach César Bravo, it has seen an institutional rebirth.
Deportes Concepción, without top-flight titles but with two in B, featured in two Copa Libertadores (1991 and 2001) and reached the Conmebol Cup semifinals in 1999. Coach Patricio Almendra played in the 2001 Libertadores. The club rose from disbandment due to financial woes thanks to fan loyalty from the fifth division; 17 years await their elite return.
Expectations are sky-high: Cobreloa sold out the remaining 10,200 tickets to fill the venue, promising a final-like atmosphere. 530 penquista fans will travel to Calama. Almendra is suspended, so the lilas will line up with Araya; Cáceres, Silva, Carrasco, Espínola; Sepúlveda, Sandoval; Morales, Valdivia, Ovalle; Larrivey. Cobreloa will field Araya; Tapia, Heredia, Palma, Guzmán (Romero); Navarrete, Muga; Ledezma; Delgado (Valdés), Gotti y Jara.
This promotion will reclaim a historic spot in Primera, regardless of the winner.