Santiago, Chile – Universidad Católica secured a crucial victory over Palestino on Saturday, bolstering their chances of qualifying for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. The 2-1 win, played before a spirited home crowd, saw Católica overcome a determined Palestino side in a match marked by contentious officiating and a late go-ahead goal [[1]]. With just two matchdays remaining in the Liga de Primera, the result keeps Daniel Garnero’s team firmly in the hunt for international competition.
Universidad Católica defeated Palestino 2-1 on Saturday, November 23, 2025, in a tightly contested match from the 28th matchday of the Liga de Primera 2025. The victory keeps Católica firmly in contention for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana 2026 as the second Chilean representative.
The match featured a spirited performance from Palestino, who argued for a penalty in the first half after a challenge by Tomás Asta-Buruaga on Dilan Zúñiga, but their appeals were waved away by referee Mathías Riquelme.
Universidad Católica took a controversial lead into halftime, awarded a penalty that Fernando Zampedri confidently converted.
Palestino responded early in the second half, with Junior Marabel leveling the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute.
However, Católica quickly regained the advantage with a surprising strike from Eduard Bello, whose deceptive shot, initially appearing to be a cross, found the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Despite a determined effort from Palestino, Universidad Católica held on for the win, solidifying their position in the league standings. The late goal proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth affair.
Daniel Garnero’s side remain second in the Liga de Primera with 54 points, four behind league leaders O’Higgins, who will face Universidad de Chile tomorrow, November 24th, at 6:00 PM local time at El Teniente. With two games remaining, Católica is well-positioned to secure their qualification for international competition.
Lucas Bovaglio’s Palestino side currently sit sixth in the table with 45 points.
¡Final y triunfo de #LosCruzados! ✊
En nuestra casa y con el aliento de todos, La Franja venció 2-1 a Palestino en esta Fecha 28 🏆
⚽ Gol del “Toro” Zampedri y de Eduard Bello para seguir fuertes 👊#ResultadoChery pic.twitter.com/AwdZOLge4e
— Universidad Católica (@Cruzados) November 23, 2025
