Audax Italiano achieved a narrow victory of 1-0 against Huachipato in the first leg of the semi-final match held at the Bicentenario Municipal Stadium in La Florida. The decisive goal was scored by Esteban Matus in the 67th minute of the second half.
The defender skillfully took possession of the ball and executed a shot that found the back of the net, defeating goalkeeper Rodrigo Odriozola López.
Notably, Audax forward Eduardo Vargas had a chance to extend their lead but missed a penalty kick in the 73rd minute of play.
Esteban Matus emerged as the standout player of the evening, contributing significantly to his team’s success with the lone goal. Another key player in defense was Martín Jiménez, who played an essential role in keeping Huachipato at bay.
Head coach Juan José Ribera fielded a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Tomás Ahumada in goal; a defensive line of Germán Guiffrey, Enzo Ferrario, Jorge Espejo, and Esteban Matus; a midfield trio of Marco Antonio Collao, Leonardo Valencia, and Nicolás Orellana; and an attacking front of Eduardo Vargas, Franco Troyansky, and Luis Riveros.
On the other side, Huachipato, managed by Jaime García, countered with a similar 4-3-3 setup, including Rodrigo Odriozola in goal; a defensive quartet of Benjamín Gazzolo, Rafael Caroca, Maicol León, and José Castro; midfielders Claudio Sepúlveda, Jimmy Martínez, and Nicolás Vargas; and forwards Lionel Altamirano, Cris Martínez, and Maximiliano Gutiérrez.
The match officiated by Miguel Araos Riquelme saw Audax Italiano claim a favorable outcome, positioning them advantageously for the return leg scheduled for October 5 at Huachipato-CAP Acero Stadium. Huachipato will need to intensify their efforts to reach the final of this competition.
Substitutions for Audax Italiano
76’ 2T – Franco Troyansky off for Paolo Guajardo
87’ 2T – Luis Riveros off for Alessandro Riep, Nicolás Orellana off for Martín Jiménez, Claudio Sepúlveda off for Santiago Silva, Lionel Altamirano off for Claudio Torres, and Maximiliano Gutiérrez off for Mario Briceño
93’ 2T – Eduardo Vargas off for Alexis González
Yellow Cards for Audax Italiano:
38’ 2T – Luis Riveros (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
45’ 2T – Marco Antonio Collao (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
49’ 2T – Jorge Espejo (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Huachipato
64’ 2T – José Castro off for Renzo Malanca
74’ 2T – Nicolás Vargas off for Luciano Arriagada
Yellow Card for Huachipato:
11’ 2T – Nicolás Vargas (Unsportsmanlike conduct)