Everton de Viña and Universidad de Chile played out a 0:0 draw in the Round of 16 of the Copa Chile on Thursday evening. The match ended without a winner despite a goal scored in the second half. Both sides entered the fixture on different runs, with the visitors having won their last two games while the hosts had mixed results in their recent outings.
The first half remained tight until M. G. Guerrero Pena picked up a yellow card in the 25th minute. Universidad de Chile controlled more of the ball, but Everton's defence held firm. N. Ramirez went into the book for the visitors at 57 minutes, a sign that the game was becoming increasingly physical.
And here's the thing — the match changed direction at 62 minutes when J. Lucero found the net. He celebrated briefly before receiving his own yellow card in the 63rd minute. Two more bookings followed shortly after at 64 minutes, one unnamed and one for H. Magallanes. The goal seemed to open things up, but neither side could capitalise further.
Substitutions came thick and fast in the closing stages. M. Diaz was brought on for Everton in the 68th minute, while Universidad replaced both J. Altamirano and J. Lucero in the 77th minute. The visitors had been pushing for a winner, but the game had settled into a rhythm neither could break.
The statistics tell a story of dominance without penetration. Universidad de Chile held 58 per cent possession and registered 8 shots on target compared to Everton's 2. The hosts created just 1 big chance while the visitors managed 2. Yet the numbers don't capture how Everton defended — they made 26 clearances and won 13 tackles, matching the visitors on aerial duels at 21 each.
The draw means both sides remain in the competition for now. For Universidad de Chile, it cuts short what had been a solid run of form, including victories over Deportes La Serena and Coquimbo Unido. Everton de Viña take comfort from a result away from home, though their recent record showed vulnerability against stronger opposition.
