University of Catholic edge past Coquimbo in Chilean league
University of Catholic secured a 2-1 victory over Coquimbo Unido at the Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso stadium on Wednesday evening in the nineteenth round of the Primera Division. The away side took the lead in the 40th minute through N. Johansen before F. Zampedri doubled the advantage in the 69th, and M. Gomez restored hope for the hosts with a late strike in the 79th minute.
Coquimbo came close to an equaliser but could not find the back of the net despite creating their only big chance. Universidad Catolica were more clinical, turning two significant opportunities into goals. The visitors held their nerve after the hosts pressed in the closing stages, and the result moves them further clear in second place.
Coquimbo dominated possession at 49 per cent but struggled to convert their activity into clear-cut opportunities. They registered 116 attacks and 26 crosses but managed just two shots on target from nine attempts inside the penalty area. Universidad Catolica, with 51 per cent possession, were more efficient, converting two shots on target from three attempts inside the box.
There were several substitutions in the second half as both managers looked for a shift in momentum. Coquimbo brought on J. Giani and P. Rodriguez for C. Cuevas and C. Montes in the 60th and 73rd minutes, while Universidad Catolica introduced N. Johansen and A. Camargo for themselves in the 77th minute. S. Arancibia, J. A. Martinez and L. Riveros also came on for the hosts before the final whistle.
Yellow cards were shown to D. Sanchez and A. Camargo for Coquimbo, and C. Cuevas for Universidad Catolica. The result leaves Coquimbo in 10th place on 22 points after 19 games, while Universidad Catolica sit second with 36 points from 21 matches. The visitors have now extended their lead at the top of the table.
