Nublense edge past Puerto-Montt after Paredes dismissal
Nublense secured a 2-1 victory over Deportes Puerto-Montt in the Chile Cup Round of 16 on 26 September. The hosts took an early lead through E. Calderon in the third minute and held firm despite a penalty that levelled matters before half-time. By then, the match had already taken on a certain character — Nublense controlling territory while their opponents looked to counter.
Calderon opened the scoring at the 3-minute mark, a sharp finish that set the tone for the first twenty minutes. R. Paredes equalised from the spot at 35 minutes after a foul inside the box. Here's the thing — Puerto-Montt had barely threatened before that moment, and the penalty changed everything. Calderon restored Nublense's advantage at 52 minutes, and the visitors' approach shifted once more.
Paredes became the story of the second half. He received a second yellow card at 88 minutes for a challenge that left his side with ten men. It felt inevitable by then. The referee had shown him a caution at 18 minutes, and his position on the pitch meant he was always going to be under scrutiny. When he went off, Puerto-Montt lost their main outlet.
The statistics tell you what the eye already knows. Nublense held 63 per cent possession and registered 22 shots — nine on target, 13 off — while Puerto-Montt managed only five attempts. The hosts created two big chances compared to one for their visitors, but conversion was never going to be generous at this level. They ground out the win rather than ran away with it.
Substitutions came thick and fast after the break. Puerto-Montt brought on D. Mancilla and C. Mansilla at 46 minutes, followed by A. Sabella, K. Egana and D. Diaz at 60. Nublense responded with F. Ovelar, F. Campos Mosqueira, I. Jeraldino and Y. Naguil. The game opened up once Paredes was sent off, but neither side could find a second goal.
We had called for Nublense to win with 77 per cent confidence before kick-off, and the result confirmed that assessment. It wasn't a dominant display — the visitors defended deep and made it difficult — but the home side took their moments when they mattered. The goal difference now stands at one for the hosts.
This victory ends a difficult run for Nublense. They had lost four of their previous five matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Puerto-Montt just four days earlier. The revenge was sweet, even if the performance didn't match the margin. To be fair, the away side showed resilience until the dismissal changed the complexion of things.
The Round of 16 continues next week, and Nublense will look to build on this result. Puerto-Montt now face the prospect of seeing their cup campaign end without further involvement. The table goes out of the window in these games, but momentum matters. And right now, Nublense have it.
