San Marcos de Arica snatch late 2-1 win at Deportes Temuco in Liga de Ascenso

San Marcos de Arica claimed a valuable 2-1 away victory over Deportes Temuco in Chile’s Liga de Ascenso on October 26, 2026, with a late goal deciding a match that had been tightly balanced for long stretches. The result gives Arica three important points in the promotion race and leaves Temuco frustrated after a spirited home performance at the Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker.

The visitors started with purpose and were rewarded early when Matías Coronado latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and finished low past the Temuco goalkeeper. Temuco responded well, controlling possession through midfield and forcing San Marcos deeper as the first half wore on. Their persistence paid off before the break when Bryan Taiva arrived at the back post to convert a well-worked cross and level the score.

Key moments

• Early opener: Matías Coronado gave San Marcos de Arica the lead with a composed finish after Temuco failed to clear a dangerous cross.
• Temuco equaliser: Bryan Taiva’s back-post header brought the home side level and lifted the crowd before half-time.
• Late winner: Luis Cabrera struck in the closing stages, converting a quick counter-attack after Temuco pushed numbers forward.

The second half was a tactical battle. Temuco enjoyed more of the ball and looked the likelier side to score for much of the period, but San Marcos defended with discipline and remained dangerous on the break. The home side’s best chances came from wide deliveries, though they struggled to find a clear finishing touch against a compact back line. As Temuco committed more players forward in search of a winner, Arica found space in transition and punished them late on.

Tactical story

Temuco’s approach was built on patient possession and overlapping full-backs, but their final ball lacked precision in key moments. San Marcos de Arica, by contrast, sat compact, pressed selectively and attacked quickly through the channels. The away side’s willingness to absorb pressure and strike on the counter proved decisive, especially in the final 15 minutes when the game opened up.

Standout performers

Coronado and Cabrera were the key attacking figures for San Marcos, combining for the goals and constantly stretching the Temuco defence. In midfield, Diego Mandiola did the unglamorous work, breaking up play and keeping the visitors organised. For Temuco, Taiva was the most persistent threat, while Felipe Báez worked hard to drive the team forward from midfield.

Table impact

The win strengthens San Marcos de Arica’s position in the Liga de Ascenso promotion conversation and gives the squad momentum heading into a demanding run of fixtures. Deportes Temuco, meanwhile, remain in the mix but will rue a missed opportunity at home. In a league where fine margins often decide the playoff places, the late concession could prove costly by the end of the season.