Curicó Unido 1-2 Deportes Santa Cruz: Visitors Rally in Liga de Ascenso

Deportes Santa Cruz turned the game around after the interval to secure a 2-1 away victory over Curicó Unido at the Estadio La Granja on Friday, 14 August 2026. The late-morning kick-off in the CHI Liga de Ascenso delivered a tense, high-stakes battle that had a major impact on the middle of the table.

Match Overview

Curicó Unido looked the more composed side during the opening half-hour, controlling possession and creating several half-chances. Their patience was rewarded just before the whistle when Fabián Llanos squeezed a low finish past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box, sending the home fans into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Deportes Santa Cruz came out a different team after the restart. They pressed higher up the pitch, pushed their full-backs forward, and forced Curicó into a series of errors. The equalizer arrived in the 67th minute through Matías Cabrera, who headed in a precise cross from the right flank. Twelve minutes later, Bastián Riquelme fired home from a tight angle after a quick counter-attack to complete the comeback.

Key Moments

• 44' – Curicó Unido 1-0: Fabián Llanos shoots low inside the far post after a well-worked move.
• 67' – Deportes Santa Cruz 1-1: Matías Cabrera climbs highest to head in a pinpoint cross.
• 79' – Deportes Santa Cruz 2-1: Bastián Riquelme slots home from a sharp angle on the counter.

Tactical Story

Curicó Unido controlled the first half with a patient build-up but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Manager Juan Pablo Fuentes aimed to protect the lead, but the introduction of fresh attacking legs from Santa Cruz changed the dynamic. The visitors simplified their approach, using direct wide play and second balls to unsettle the home defence.

Santa Cruz's midfield press forced Curicó into rushed clearances, and once the equalizer came, the momentum swung decisively. The winning goal was a textbook counter-attack, showing the visitors' ability to transition quickly in tight spaces.

Standout Players

Bastián Riquelme was the match-winner and a constant menace with his movement between the lines. Matías Cabrera's aerial presence also proved crucial. For Curicó, Fabián Llanos stood out with his efficient finishing and work rate, but he lacked support in the decisive moments.

Standings and Season Impact

The victory moved Deportes Santa Cruz onto 18 points for the season, lifting them into the top half of the CHI Liga de Ascenso standings. Curicó Unido, who started the day in a promising playoff position, missed the chance to leapfrog their rivals and remained on 16 points.

With the promotion race still wide open, Friday's result underlined how competitive the second tier of Chilean football has become. Both teams will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, but Santa Cruz will carry significant belief forward after this characterful away win.