Ascenso: Santiago Wanderers rescues draw with San Marcos, draws level with Cobreloa at the top

Santiago Wanderers snatched a crucial 1-1 draw against San Marcos de Arica in a dramatic encounter at the Estadio "Elías Figueroa Brander" on matchday 19 of the Liga de Ascenso. The result temporarily propelled the Valparaíso-based team to the league summit, awaiting Cobreloa's upcoming match.

The game was a tense affair, marked by disciplinary issues. After a balanced first half, Wanderers' task became significantly harder with the expulsion of midfielder Leandro Navarro in the 50th minute. San Marcos de Arica, known as "Bravos del Morro," capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Agustín Maidana scoring in the 53rd minute to take the lead.

However, the tide turned again when Byron Tapia of San Marcos received a second yellow card in the 80th minute, leveling the playing field at 10 men each. Just four minutes later, Santiago Wanderers was awarded a penalty, which Marcos Camarda converted to secure the hard-fought equalizer.

This draw brings Santiago Wanderers' total points to 33, placing them level with Cobreloa at the top of the league. San Marcos de Arica remains in third place with 30 points. In the next round, scheduled for August 12, Santiago Wanderers will travel to face Deportes Antofagasta, while San Marcos will host Unión San Felipe.