Deportes Concepción took a crucial first step toward potential promotion to Chile’s Primera División with a 2-1 victory over Deportes Antofagasta on Tuesday in the opening leg of the Liguilla de Ascenso . The win gives patricio Almendra’s side a slight edge as they aim to join fellow city rivals Universidad de Concepción in the top flight for the 2026 season , with the second leg scheduled for November 23rd.
Deportes Concepción kicked off their Liguilla de Ascenso campaign with a statement victory on Tuesday, taking the first step in their quest to join Universidad de Concepción in the Primera División for the 2026 season.
Patricio Almendra’s side overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Deportes Antofagasta 2-1 in front of a lively crowd at the ‘Ester Roa Rebolledo’ stadium. The Liguilla de Ascenso is a crucial mini-tournament determining promotion to Chile’s top flight.
Antofagasta drew first blood in the 25th minute, awarded a penalty after Brayan Hurtado was fouled in the box.
Andrés Souper stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a powerful, right-footed strike.
😏⚽⚪🔵 No perdonó
Andrés Souper lanzó desde los 12 pasos y anotó el primer tanto de la Liguilla de la #LigaDeAscensoCaixun 2025, donde puso en ventaja a Deportes Antofagasta ante Deportes Concepción.
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— TNT Sports Chile (@TNTSportsCL) November 18, 2025
However, Concepción responded strongly, pushing forward and finding an equalizer through veteran striker Joaquín Larrivey.
The former La U star rose highest in the area to meet a cross with a precise header, leaving the Antofagasta goalkeeper with no chance in the 34th minute.
Just four minutes later, Larrivey completed the turnaround, converting another penalty for Concepción. He had been brought down in the box and dispatched the spot-kick with composure, sending the keeper the wrong way.
🥵⚽🟣 QUÉ HOMBRE, QUÉ GOLEADOR
Joaquín Larrivey, a los 34′ y 38′, apareció para entregarle vida al León de Collao y dar vuelta el duelo de ida ante Deportes Antofagasta, en el arranque de la Liguilla en la #LigaAscensoCaixun 2025.
Disfruta lo mejor del fútbol chileno.… pic.twitter.com/4LUlUMn8hG
— TNT Sports Chile (@TNTSportsCL) November 18, 2025
Antofagasta’s task was made even harder in the 58th minute when Bairo Riveros received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving them to play the final third of the match with ten men.
The score remained unchanged at ‘Ester Roa’, giving Concepción a valuable advantage heading into the second leg. The return fixture will be played on Sunday, November 23rd, at 12:00 PM at the ‘Calvo y Bascuñán’ stadium.
