Magalanes Edge Past Rangers de Talca in Primera B Thriller
Magalanes secured a 3-2 victory over Rangers de Talca in the Primera B regular season on Friday evening. The away side took control after going behind twice, with Miguel Alegre's late strikes proving decisive. Rangers had been ahead 2-1 before the visitors turned the match around.
Javier Arias opened the scoring early for Rangers de Talca in the second minute, then doubled their advantage with a penalty in the 23rd. Matías Fredes pulled one back for Magallanes in the 12th, keeping things level for a spell. By then, Rangers were already feeling the pressure after Cristian Meneses received his first red card in the 37th minute.
The away side showed resilience after being reduced to ten men themselves. Alejandro Marquez was sent off in stoppage time after picking up two bookings, but Miguel Alegre had already rescued a point with an 87th-minute goal. And here's the thing — Magallanes didn't just equalise; they went on to win it.
Alegre completed his brace in the 93rd minute, capitalising on Rangers' defensive vulnerability after their numerical disadvantage. The visitors had made tactical changes to strengthen their attack, bringing on Fernando Peraza and Ángel Morá during the second half. To be fair, Rangers had dominated possession but couldn't convert their chances.
Statistically, Rangers de Talca controlled 54 per cent of possession and registered 68 attacks compared to Magallanes' 53. Yet the visitors registered three shots on target to Rangers' two, and it was that efficiency that separated them. Rangers saw six shots go off target while Magallanes only managed one, suggesting the home side was shooting from difficult positions.
The result keeps Magallanes in fifth place with 36 points from 23 games, while Rangers de Talca remain in 16th with just 15 points. The visitors extended their unbeaten run to two matches, whereas Rangers have now lost four of their last five fixtures. This win will make life awkward for anyone hoping to challenge Magallanes' top-half ambitions.