Union Española claimed a narrow 2:1 victory over San Marcos de Arica in the Primera B's Regular Season round 21 on Saturday. The home side took control early with an own goal from C. Guerra in the first minute, then extended their advantage through A. Barboza's strike eight minutes in. San Marcos de Arica pulled one back via F. Massri's effort in the 35th minute, but the hosts held firm to secure all three points.
By then the game had settled into a rhythm neither side could fully dictate. Both teams registered similar possession figures at 50 per cent, and their attacking output reflected that balance with 149 and 132 attacks respectively. Union Española took four corners compared to their opponents' single attempt, while the away side earned 14 free kicks against five for the hosts.
The second half saw a flurry of changes as both managers searched for an edge. Six substitutions were made between the 46th and 90th minutes, with F. Massri among those brought off in stoppage time. Yellow cards peppered the final quarter — four for the home side and two for the visitors — suggesting a game that grew increasingly physical as fatigue set in.
On target, both teams managed three shots, but only Union Española converted, turning efficiency into the decisive factor. The statistics tell a straightforward story: three shots on target for each side, but the home side found their window when it mattered most. San Marcos de Arica's two shots off target did not trouble the keeper, while their three on target yielded just the consolation goal.
The result keeps Union Española in sixth place with 34 points from 22 matches, while San Marcos de Arica remain ninth on 30 points. The four-point gap between them is unlikely to shift significantly in the short term, but Saturday's outcome will have reinforced the home side's belief in their ability to grind out results when required.