Coquimbo Unido advances to Copa de la Liga final after penalty shootout win over La Calera

Coquimbo Unido secured a spot in the Copa de la Liga final by overcoming Unión La Calera in a penalty shootout. Despite losing the second leg of the semifinal 1-0, the "Piratas" triumphed 5-4 from the spot at the Estadio Bicentenario "Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso."

In the initial stages of the match, Coquimbo Unido displayed superiority, creating several chances against La Calera's goalkeeper Nicolás Avellaneda, but lacked finishing. La Calera focused on counter-attacks without posing a significant threat, leading to a goalless first half.

The second half saw a more balanced game. Coquimbo Unido's coach Martín Ciccotello adopted a more aggressive strategy to equalize the series. Just as Coquimbo seemed headed for the final, Matías Campos López scored in the 86th minute, leveling the aggregate score and forcing penalties.

During the shootout, Coquimbo's goalkeeper Diego "Mono" Sánchez emerged as the hero. He not only converted his penalty but also saved shots from Kevin Méndez, Joan Cruz, and Cristián Gutiérrez, sealing Coquimbo Unido's place in the final. Avellaneda also made key saves for La Calera, stopping attempts from Cristián Zavala and Sebastián Cabrera.

The Copa de la Liga final is scheduled as a single match on Saturday, June 18, at the Estadio "Elias Figueroa Brander" in Valparaíso. Coquimbo Unido will face the winner of the other semifinal between O'Higgins and Ñublense.