Coquimbo Unido secured a 2-0 victory against Universitario de Deportes in Lima on Tuesday, marking the Chilean champions' first win in the 2026 Copa Libertadores Group B. The win provides a vital three points for the 'Piratas' following their recent scoreless draw against Uruguay's Nacional.
According to La Tercera, the Chilean side utilized the same tactical formation used during their championship run last year, relying on defensive strength and clinical finishing. The match, which took place in Peru, saw Coquimbo control much of the play despite the pressure of an away fixture.
The opening goal arrived in the 13th minute, as reported by BioBioChile. Juan Cornejo delivered a cross from the left flank that allowed Cristian Zavala to strike the ball into the net with a header.
La Tercera noted that the goal was briefly under review for a potential offside position involving Nicolás Johansen, but the referee ultimately validated the strike. The Chilean club's performance was characterized by an efficient 4-2-3-1 system that transitioned effectively into a defensive 4-4-2 when necessary.
Clinical second half
Coquimbo doubled their lead early in the second half, specifically at the 49-minute mark, according to BioBioChile. Benjamín Chandía executed a solo run down the right side of the pitch before finding Nicolás Johansen, who tapped the ball in to make it 2-0.
This second goal effectively neutralized the Peruvian side's comeback attempts. La Tercera reported that Coquimbo's central defenders, Benjamín Gazzolo and Manuel Fernández, performed well to keep the Universitario forwards, Gassama and Valera, from creating significant threats.
While the Chilean side dominated possession, Universitario's goalkeeper Miguel “Manotas” Vargas saw his recent clean sheet streak end. La Tercera highlighted that Vargas, a Chilean keeper with Peruvian roots, had not conceded a goal in his previous four starts.
Universitario's attack struggled to find rhythm against the organized Chilean defense. BioBioChile noted that the Peruvian side's primary threat came in the 40th minute when Gassama sent a weak shot toward Diego Sánchez, but the Chilean keeper remained steady.
Coquimbo Unido's victory comes after the club postponed its domestic league match against Colo Colo to focus exclusively on this continental fixture, as reported by La Tercera. The 'Piratas' now look toward their next challenge in the tournament.
Universitario is scheduled to continue its Copa Libertadores campaign on Tuesday, April 28, with an away match against Colombia's Deportes Tolima, according to BioBioChile.
