Huachipato triumphed with a score of 4-2 in the second semifinal of the Copa Chile, propelled by a stellar performance from Lionel Altamirano, who netted two goals during the match on Sunday. The local team saw Altamirano score at the 26th and 39th minutes of the first half, followed by goals from Renzo Malanca (6’ 2T) and Maximiliano Gutiérrez (44’ 2T). Audax Italiano managed to score through Eduardo Vargas (12’ 1T) and Leonardo Valencia (38’ 2T, from the penalty spot).
Valencia’s hopes for a comeback were dashed when he missed a penalty in the 97th minute of the second half.
Altamirano’s exceptional performance earned him the title of the match’s standout player, with two goals and two shots on target. Maximiliano Gutiérrez also shined, contributing one goal to the victory.
Huachipato’s coach, Jaime García, opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Rodrigo Odriozola in goal; Maicol León, Benjamín Gazzolo, Rafael Caroca, and Renzo Malanca in defense; Claudio Sepúlveda, Nicolás Vargas, and Jimmy Martínez in midfield; alongside Maximiliano Gutiérrez, Lionel Altamirano, and Cris Martínez in attack.
On the other side, Audax Italiano’s coach Juan José Ribera chose a similar 4-3-3 formation, featuring Tomás Ahumada in goal; Jorge Espejo, Enzo Ferrario, Germán Guiffrey, and Esteban Matus in defense; Marco Antonio Collao, Nicolás Orellana, and Leonardo Valencia in midfield; and Franco Troyansky, Eduardo Vargas, and Luis Riveros in the forward line.
Gastón Philippe Noriega officiated the match held at the Estadio Huachipato-CAP Acero.
After losing the first leg 0-1, Huachipato made a remarkable comeback this Sunday and will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Deportes Limache or D. La Serena in the grand final, scheduled for November 20 in a location yet to be confirmed.
Substitutions for Huachipato
45’ 2T – Nicolás Vargas was replaced by Santiago Silva, Marco Antonio Collao by Martín Jiménez, and Franco Troyansky by Alessandro Riep.
68’ 2T – Renzo Malanca was substituted for José Castro.
93’ 2T – Lionel Altamirano made way for Luciano Arriagada, Maicol León for Bryan Garrido, and Cris Martínez for Mario Briceño.
Cautions for Huachipato
32’ 1T – Jimmy Martínez (unsporting behavior), 45’ 1T – Rafael Caroca (unsporting behavior), 9’ 2T – Rodrigo Odriozola (time-wasting), and 30’ 2T – Cris Martínez (unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Audax Italiano
59’ 2T – Esteban Matus was substituted for Gastón Gil Romero.
65’ 2T – Luis Riveros made way for Paolo Guajardo.
73’ 2T – Enzo Ferrario was replaced by Alexis González.
Cautions for Audax Italiano
4’ 1T – Marco Antonio Collao (unsporting behavior), 22’ 1T – Franco Troyansky (unsporting behavior), 18’ 2T – Alessandro Riep (unsporting behavior), and 39’ 2T – Germán Guiffrey (unsporting behavior).