Palestino 3-2 Deportes Santa Cruz: Late Drama Seals Thriller in Copa Chile

Santiago, Chile – July 12, 2026 – Palestino snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Deportes Santa Cruz in a pulsating Copa Chile Group D encounter at the Estadio Monumental. A 90th-minute header from substitute Ignacio Núñez capped a wild match that saw both teams trade blows and the lead change hands twice.

The opening half was frantic. Palestino took the lead in the 12th minute when winger Bryan Carrasco curled a free-kick over the wall and inside the near post. But Santa Cruz responded within six minutes: a long ball forward caught the Palestino defense sleeping, and striker Fabián Carmona slotted calmly past goalkeeper Cristopher Vega.

Second-Half Fireworks

Santa Cruz turned the game on its head just after the hour mark. Midfielder Sebastián Díaz bundled in from a corner to make it 2-1, and the visitors looked set to cause an upset. However, Palestino’s resilience shone through. In the 75th minute, a pinpoint cross from Juan Cornejo found Luis Jiménez, who volleyed home to level the scores.

Just as extra time loomed, Palestino won a free-kick on the right flank. Carrasco’s delivery was inch-perfect to the back post, where Núñez rose highest to power a header into the net, sending the home fans into raptures.

Key Performances

Carrasco was the architect of Palestino’s attack, creating six chances and providing two assists. For Santa Cruz, Carmona’s pace troubled the home backline all night. The result leaves Palestino top of Group D with maximum points, while Santa Cruz remain winless but showed they can compete at a high level.

Tactical Notes

Palestino’s 4-2-3-1 allowed Carrasco and Jiménez to roam freely, while Santa Cruz’s direct approach exploited gaps but ultimately lacked the defensive concentration to hold a lead. The match was a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that the Copa Chile consistently delivers.