U de Chile Revives Under Gago, Dominates Audax Italiano in Copa de la Liga
LA FLORIDA, Chile – Universidad de Chile secured a crucial victory in the Copa de la Liga, defeating Audax Italiano 3-1 on Monday, March 31, 2026, at the Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida. This marks the first win for the club under new manager Fernando Gago, injecting much-needed momentum into their campaign.
The victory moves Universidad de Chile to within two points of the Copa de la Liga semifinal qualification zone in Group D. Gago, who took the helm recently, opted for a youthful and dynamic lineup, a strategy that clearly paid dividends against Audax Italiano. The team’s performance showcased a renewed intensity and tactical approach that had been lacking in previous matches.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Universidad de Chile established control early, capitalizing on opportunities to take the lead. Just six minutes into the match, Agustín Arce opened the scoring with a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving Audax Italiano goalkeeper Tomás Ahumada with no chance. The goal stemmed from a corner kick, with Nicolás Fernández providing the assist for Arce’s decisive shot.
The *Azules* continued to press, creating further chances. Maximiliano Guerrero doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, finishing a well-worked move that began with a pass from Lucas Barrera. Guerrero skillfully navigated past defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Ahumada.
A Commanding Performance
Universidad de Chile’s dominance continued into the second half. Marcelo Morales extended the lead to 3-0 in the 54th minute, completing a flowing team move that involved Arce and Eduardo Vargas. Vargas’s assist was key, setting up Morales for a powerful finish.
The team’s performance was characterized by quick transitions, attentive pressing and a strong physical presence, disrupting Audax Italiano’s attempts to build from the back. The intensity of Universidad de Chile’s play clearly unsettled their opponents, limiting their attacking opportunities.
Late Consolation for Audax Italiano
Despite Universidad de Chile’s control, Audax Italiano managed to pull a goal back in stoppage time. Rodrigo Cabral converted a penalty in the 90+6th minute, providing a late consolation for the home side. The penalty was awarded after a foul by Marcelo Morales on Raimundo Rebolledo.
However, the goal did little to change the outcome of the match. Audax Italiano’s Assadi then missed a chance to further reduce the deficit, striking the penalty spot in the final moments of the game.
Standings Implications and What’s Next
With this win, Universidad de Chile now has four points in Group D of the Copa de la Liga, trailing group leaders Audax Italiano and Unión La Calera, both with six points. The result significantly boosts their chances of progressing to the semifinal stage, where only the group winner advances.
Universidad de Chile will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. The team’s next challenge will be [insert next confirmed match details here – *information not provided in sources*]. Fans will be eager to spot if Gago can maintain this level of performance and guide the club to further success in the Copa de la Liga.
This victory represents a significant step forward for Universidad de Chile under Fernando Gago, signaling a potential turning point in their season. The team’s youthful energy and tactical flexibility proved to be a winning combination against Audax Italiano, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.
The Copa de la Liga continues to provide exciting action for Chilean football fans, and Universidad de Chile’s resurgence adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.
Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Copa de la Liga and Universidad de Chile’s progress throughout the season.
