In Rancagua, the Academy opened its Phase 2 series with great joy. They beat Always Ready from Bolivia 3-0, with goals from their defenses. Next week it’s the return, at the altitude of La Paz.
It was a historic day for Magellan . For the new generations of Caravel fans, heirs to the fanaticism of their parents and grandparents, it was something new: to see the team in the American Liberators Cup. 38 years have passed to see the Manojito of Carnations again in the highest club competition at continental level. This return to the elite was made with immense joy. In El Teniente de Rancagua, the same place where the Chilean Cup was won by Unión Española at the end of 2022 (with which they qualified for the competition), the national super champion beat the Always close to Bolivia in the first stage of phase 2.
Nicolás Núñez, the architect of last year’s remarkable Magellan campaign, had to confront the “blood gang” with three victims: César Cortés, Yorman Zapata and Manuel Vicuña. In Chester’s absence, team captain Carlos Villanueva, one of the most internationally experienced in the Albiceleste squad, joined the starting XI. Beyond the scenario that the Chilean team had to face (playing at continental level), he did not give up his style of play, advocating good handling of the ball and possession as an offensive weapon.
During the first period, Magallanes moved the ball, waiting to capture space, while Always Ready waited and countered. The two main offensive names of the Bolivians started on the bench: the Argentinian Marcos Riquelme and the Ivorian Wilfried Bony, the former Manchester City. The two entered the second part, generating zero danger.
The Academy went to rest with a justified advantage, as they were the team that sought the most. At 16′, Felipe Flores had the opener at his feet, with a swing, but his shot was stopped by goalkeeper Mosquera. Then Villanueva had another option and again the visiting keeper dodged the goal. It could be seen as a warning of what would happen in the 21st minute.
After a corner and a shot at a post, Christian Vilches grabs the ball and shoots to bring the score to 1-0. Goal by Quili, who replaced Albert Acevedo at the back, the Argentinian Piñero duo in the team that stood out in 2022.
Vilches himself was his team’s “firefighter” as they avoided a draw in the 32nd minute, taking a ball from his area when Almost Always Ready hit the Chilean goal with a quick counterattack. If the locals wanted to get to the altitude of La Paz with more composure, they had to win with a bigger difference.
Additionally, controversy arose in Rancagua due to a penalty claimed by Felipe Flores, for having seized the jersey of Nelson Cabrera. After the striker’s angry claims, judge Andrés Merlos turns to VAR to review the action. The Argentine referee, with delay, imposes the maximum penalty in favor of the nationals. It was an hour of play. Flores assumes the execution, but fails. A low left foot hits a vertical. The frustrated face of the former Colo Colo was notorious.
The caraveleros, who did not give up the good treatment of the ball, struck again 10 minutes from the end and through the stopped ball. After a corner, Fernando Piñero headed in to make it 2-0. But that wasn’t the only thing. When the duel entered added time, Marcelo Filla made it 3-0, finishing low before Mosquera’s hasty exit. Nico Núñez was right with the entry of Christopher Jorquera . The midfielder replaced Villanueva and was involved in the last two goals for the Albicelestes.
While the streak isn’t set at all, going with three away goals gives it some slack for the trip to highland territory. The rematch will take place next Thursday, March 2, at Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz. Whoever succeeds in this series will find themselves in phase 3 against Independiente Medellín (Colombia) or El Nacional (Ecuador).
party sheet
magellan 3 : G. Rodriguez; M. Vásquez (50′, M. Filla), C. Vilches, F. Piñero, F. Espinoza; T. Aránguiz, A. Canales (69′, I. Vásquez), C. Villanueva (70′, C. Jorquera); T. Jones (69′, S. Contreras), F. Flores (87′, J. Quiroz) and J. Alfaro. DT: N. Nuñez.
Always ready 0: C. Mosquera; D. Roman, M. Enoumba, N. Cabrera, E. Flores (72′, L. Balanta) (88′, D. Valda); J. Jean, J. Herrera, W. Parra, E. Reyes; A. Terrazas (46′, M. Riquelme) and D. Romero (72′, W. Bony). DT: P. Godoy.
Goals : 1-0 21 ′, Vilches, finishes after a shot on a post; 2-0, 80′, Piñero, header after corner; 3-0 89′, Filla, defined before the departure of the goalkeeper.
Arbitrator : A. Merlos (ARG). He admonished Cabrera, Enoumba and Medina (AR).
Impact : 60′, Flores misses a penalty.
El Teniente Stadium, Rancagua. 4,000 people attended, approx.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
