Audax Italiano achieved a crucial 1-0 victory against Huachipato during the first leg of the semifinal at the Bicentenario Municipal Stadium in La Florida. The only goal of the match came from Esteban Matus in the 67th minute, who took control of the ball and blasted a shot past Huachipato’s goalkeeper Rodrigo Odriozola López.
The home team could have doubled their lead when Eduardo Vargas missed a penalty in the 73rd minute, a moment that could have changed the dynamics of the match.
Esteban Matus stood out as the standout player of the night, not only for his decisive goal but also for his overall defensive contributions. His teammate, defender Martín Jiménez, played a significant role in maintaining the clean sheet.
Audax’s manager, Juan José Ribera, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Tomás Ahumada in goal; Germán Guiffrey, Enzo Ferrario, Jorge Espejo, and Esteban Matus in defense; Marco Antonio Collao, Leonardo Valencia, and Nicolás Orellana in midfield; and Vargas, Franco Troyansky, and Luis Riveros leading the attack.
On the other hand, Huachipato, guided by Jaime García, set up in a similar 4-3-3 formation, featuring Rodrigo Odriozola in goal; Benjamín Gazzolo, Rafael Caroca, Maicol León, and José Castro in defense; Claudio Sepúlveda, Jimmy Martínez, and Nicolás Vargas in midfield; along with Lionel Altamirano, Cris Martínez, and Maximiliano Gutiérrez up front.
The match referee, Miguel Araos Riquelme, had a significant role, particularly with several players facing yellow cards for unsporting behavior, including Luis Riveros and Marco Antonio Collao for Audax, and Nicolás Vargas for Huachipato.
With this important win, Audax Italiano puts themselves in a favorable position ahead of the return leg scheduled for October 5 at the Huachipato-CAP Acero Stadium. Huachipato will need to give their all to reach the final of the tournament.
Substitutions for Audax Italiano
76’ 2T – Franco Troyansky was substituted by Paolo Guajardo.
87’ 2T – Luis Riveros off for Alessandro Riep, Nicolás Orellana for Martín Jiménez.
93’ 2T – Eduardo Vargas was replaced by 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 replaced by Luciano Arriagada.
Yellow Card for Huachipato:
11’ 2T Nicolás Vargas (Unsportsmanlike conduct).