Match Report: Unión La Calera 3–3 Universidad de Chile | Chilean Cup

June 25, 2026, will be remembered as a night of relentless drama at Estadio Municipal Nicolás Chahuán, where Unión La Calera fought back twice to earn a thrilling 3‑3 draw against Universidad de Chile in the Chilean Cup. The match swung from one end to the other, showcasing the best of Chilean football’s passion and unpredictability.

First Half: La U Takes Control

Universidad de Chile began with typical authority, dominating possession and creating early chances. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Nicolás Guerra latched onto a loose ball in the box and hammered it past the goalkeeper. The visitors doubled their lead just before the break through a deflected strike from Mauricio Morales, leaving La Calera facing a daunting second half.

Second Half: The Comeback Begins

Unión La Calera emerged with renewed intensity after the interval. Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when a corner kick caused chaos, and Matías Cavalleri headed home from close range to make it 2‑1. The home crowd roared as their team smelled blood, but Universidad de Chile responded swiftly—Marco Collao restored the two‑goal cushion in the 66th minute with a brilliant free‑kick that curled over the wall and into the top corner.

La Calera refused to give up. With 15 minutes remaining, a long ball forward was collected by Federico Castro, who swiveled and fired a low shot into the corner to make it 3‑2. The momentum was now firmly with the hosts, and they completed the comeback in the 88th minute when substitute Joaquín Larrivey rose highest to meet a cross and nod the ball past the stunned “U” goalkeeper. Cue pandemonium in the stands.

Key Moments

• 22′ – Guerra opens scoring – Clinical finish after a defensive lapse.
• 45+1′ – Morales doubles lead – A fortunate deflection but well‑deserved.
• 88′ – Larrivey equalizes – A towering header that silenced the away section.

Player of the Match

Federico Castro (Unión La Calera) – His goal sparked the fightback, and his relentless running exhausted the Universidad defense. A true leader on the pitch.

Cup Context

The draw keeps both teams in contention for the knockout stages, though Universidad de Chile will rue not holding onto a two‑goal lead. For Unión La Calera, this result provides a massive confidence boost ahead of their league campaign. The second leg promises to be just as electrifying.

Attendance: 4,870 – a near‑capacity crowd treated to a classic cup tie.