Puerto Montt Edges Antofagasta in Thriller to Climb Ascenso League Standings

Deportes Puerto Montt achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against Deportes Antofagasta at Estadio Chinquihue, climbing the ladder in the Chilean Ascenso League. This win places the southern club in contention for a podium spot as the league entered matchday 17.

The match was hard-fought, with Antofagasta taking an early lead in the 23rd minute through a penalty converted by Josepablo Monreal. Richard Paredes equalized for Puerto Montt from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. Paredes then scored again in the second half, giving the home team a temporary 2-1 advantage in the 56th minute. Salvador Negrete extended Puerto Montt's lead to 3-1 in the 85th minute, but Antofagasta managed a late consolation goal through José Bandez from a penalty in the 90+4th minute.

With this victory, Puerto Montt accumulated 26 points, drawing level with San Luis but securing fourth place due to a superior goal difference. Both teams are now three points behind second-placed Santiago Wanderers and six points adrift of league leaders Cobreloa. Antofagasta's defeat saw them slip to seventh place with 23 points, awaiting the results of other matches involving Unión Española and Magallanes.