Católica Draw Level With Universidad de Chile as Colo Colo Close in on Chilean Title

Universidad Católica tightened the race for Chile's direct 2027 Copa Libertadores place by beating O’Higgins 3-2 and drawing level with Universidad de Chile on 36 points.

The result lifted Católica into second place because it has one more win. Universidad de Chile fell to third after losing 2-1 away to Universidad de Concepción. Under Chile's new competition rules, the team in third must play an additional match against the Copa Chile champion for one of the next Libertadores preliminary-round places.

Colo Colo strengthened its position at the top with a 5-1 victory over Audax Italiano. The result moved the club to 52 points, 16 ahead of its closest challengers, with nine rounds still to play. Colo Colo could secure its 35th league title early if its nearest rival drops points in the next three rounds.

Católica's win was its second in succession, following a 2-1 victory over Coquimbo Unido in a rearranged match. The result increased pressure on the team coached by Argentine Fernando Gago.

The weekend also brought disciplinary and regulatory concerns. Coquimbo Unido's match against Huachipato ended permanently in the 68th minute after home supporters threw flares that exploded near Huachipato goalkeeper Christian Bravo. He suffered acoustic trauma, was taken to hospital and was discharged on Monday. The disciplinary tribunal is expected to decide on sanctions.

In another unusual incident, Panama striker Cecilio Waterman became Universidad de Concepción's emergency goalkeeper after starter Jorge Broun was sent off and no substitutions remained. Waterman wore the shirt of a retired goalkeeper instead of an unnumbered replacement, potentially violating competition rules and exposing him to punishment.