Kokimbo Unido and Platense played out a goalless draw in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 at Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso on Wednesday evening. The 0:0 result after 120 minutes sent the tie to penalties, where Kokimbo won 7-6 to advance. Both sides sat level on 10 points from six games before kick-off, with Kokimbo holding first place and Platense second.
The match itself was tight from the start. By then, neither side could find a way through. Kokimbo had the ball less — 40 per cent compared to Platense's 60 — but they were not shy about throwing bodies in the way. Platense worked the ball into dangerous areas more often, registering 114 attacks against 82, yet both teams created just one big chance each.
Substitutions started coming at the 26-minute mark when Kokimbo brought on L. Pratto. Platense responded with two changes at 64 minutes, bringing on K. Retamar and G. Mainero. The game opened up a little around the hour when S. Cordero and Victor Cuesta both picked up yellow cards, followed by J. Cornejo for Kokimbo at 65. More changes followed as legs began to go.
On the numbers, Platense dominated possession but could not convert it. They completed 239 passes in the opposition half against Kokimbo's 160, and crossed 23 times compared to 11. Yet shots accuracy tells a different story — Kokimbo hit 30 per cent of their targets against 13 per cent for the visitors. Three shots on target versus two is not much to separate two sides.
When the penalties came, Kokimbo stepped up first. A. Lagos, M. Mendia, N. Lopez, L. Gimenez, F. Zapiola, I. Vazquez and M. Barrios all found the net. Platense answered with S. Galani, N. Johansen, E. Hernandez, J. Cornejo, D. Sanchez and A. E. Azocar Machuca. It was S. Cordero who could not deliver when it mattered, his effort saved and that price has gone.
The result leaves Kokimbo top of the group on 13 points while Platense remain second on 10. Both teams had drawn their previous meeting on August 12, 1:1, so this was a chance for one to pull ahead. Kokimbo now hold the advantage, with Platense needing to find something they could not produce in 120 minutes of football.