UC eliminated from Copa de la Liga despite thrashing Cobresal

Universidad Católica has been eliminated from the Copa de la Liga, despite securing a resounding 5-1 victory against Cobresal at the Claro Arena. The team's hopes of advancing were dashed by Ñublense's simultaneous triumph over U. de Concepción in Chillán, which sealed Católica's fate in Group B.

The match started unfavorably for the home team when a VAR review penalized Eugenio Mena for a handball in the box, leading to Steffan Pino converting the penalty in the 22nd minute. However, Universidad Católica rallied before halftime, with Alfred Canales scoring a crucial equalizer in the 44th minute with a header.

In the second half, Universidad Católica dominated, with goals from Diego Corral (53'), Justo Giani (57'), and Jimmy Martínez (63') dismantling Cobresal's defense. Juan Francisco Rossel added a fifth goal in stoppage time (90'). Despite the emphatic win, the concurrent victory of Ñublense meant Católica finished the group stage in second place with 11 points, three points behind the group leaders.

Universidad Católica's focus now shifts to the Liga de Primera, where they are scheduled to play Universidad de Concepción on June 14. Cobresal concluded their Copa de la Liga campaign with a disappointing performance and will face Colo Colo in their next league match.