Gago after defeat to Colo Colo: 'We will fight for the title until the last match'

Fernando Gago, the coach of Universidad de Chile, remains defiant despite a tough 2-1 defeat to rivals Colo Colo in the 200th Superclásico. Gago declared that his team "will fight for the title until the last match" of the season.

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We are going to fight for the title until the last match.

Analyzing the match, Gago admitted his team "weren't sharp" early on but improved after a penalty incident. He noted that in the second half, the team adjusted their movements and showed better performance. However, he lamented that Colo Colo scored during Universidad de Chile's period of strongest play. Despite this setback, Gago affirmed that the entire team continued to push and search for an equalizer.

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We weren't sharp. We got into the game after the penalty incident, and in the second half, the team was able to correct three or four movements from what we had been doing. And at our best moment, the rival scores, despite this, the whole team tried to keep insisting and searching.

Gago also addressed the substitution of midfielder Charles Aránguiz. He clarified that Aránguiz himself requested to be taken off the field due to fatigue, stating, "He asked me to be substituted, so we had to take him out. He was tired, he reached his limit, and he asked me to be substituted."

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He asked me to be substituted, so we had to take him out. He was tired, he reached his limit, and he asked me to be substituted.

The coach also praised the passionate support from the Universidad de Chile fans, describing their presence as "a spectacle" and acknowledging the vibrant atmosphere. While expressing disappointment that the team couldn't secure a victory for them, Gago conveyed his gratitude for their unwavering support. Regarding player Juan Martín Lucero's performance, Gago stated his focus is on working with all players to maximize their individual potential, emphasizing that such discussions are handled internally.

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It was a spectacle what they did on the field today, the atmosphere was enjoyable. Obviously, we wanted to give them a victory and we couldn't, so it's very difficult to speak with feeling. Yes, I thank them for being with the team, for accompanying them, for coming to the stadium, and that is very important.