Puerto Montt 0–2 San Marcos de Arica: Dominant visitors cruise away from home

Chilean Liga de Ascenso – Estadio Regional de Chinquihue
25 May 2026

San Marcos de Arica delivered a commanding performance to beat Puerto Montt 2–0 in Monday’s Liga de Ascenso clash. The victory cements Arica’s position near the top of the second‑tier table, while Puerto Montt continue to struggle after a slow start to the campaign.

Match Overview

The visitors controlled the tempo from the outset, moving the ball quickly through midfield and carving open the home defence on multiple occasions. Puerto Montt tried to stay compact but were undone by two well‑worked goals before the hour mark. The first came from a set piece, the second from open play, and Arica rarely looked threatened at the back.

Key Moments

• 14th minute – Goal (San Marcos de Arica): A corner kick was nodded home at the near post by the centre‑back, who beat his marker with a powerful header.
• 38th minute – Puerto Montt chance: The home side had their best opportunity, a drilled shot from the edge of the box that was tipped over the bar.
• 53rd minute – Goal (San Marcos de Arica): A sweeping move down the left flank ended with a low cross turned home by the striker from six yards out.
• 71st minute – Red card (Puerto Montt): A second yellow for a late tackle reduced the hosts to ten men, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.

Tactical Story

San Marcos de Arica’s 4‑3‑3 formation allowed them to overload the midfield and create numerical advantages in wide areas. Their full‑backs pushed high, pinning Puerto Montt’s wingers back. The visitors also pressed aggressively after losing possession, forcing errors in the home half. Puerto Montt, playing a more direct 4‑4‑2, lacked the composure to build sustained attacks and finished the match with only 38% possession.

Standout Players

• Arica’s central midfielder: Dictated the pace with crisp passing and covered ground defensively, winning nine duels.
• Arica’s goalkeeper: Made a key save at 1–0 to keep the lead intact before the second goal arrived.

Table Implications

San Marcos de Arica move to within two points of the league leaders with this result. Puerto Montt, still searching for their first win, drop into the bottom four. The Ascenso promotion race is tightening, and Arica have signalled their intent.