Deportes La Serena vs CSD Antofagasta: Chilean Cup Thriller Ends 4-2 for the Visitors

In a pulsating Chilean Cup encounter on July 6, 2026, CSD Antofagasta emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Deportes La Serena. The match, played at the Estadio La Portada in La Serena, saw both sides produce an entertaining display of attacking football, but it was the visitors who proved more clinical in front of goal.

Match Overview

The contest kicked off at 00:30 local time under clear skies, with both teams eager to advance in Chile’s premier knockout competition. Deportes La Serena, playing in front of their home supporters, started brightly and took an early lead. However, Antofagasta responded with a powerful attacking display, turning the game around before halftime. The second half continued in the same high-tempo fashion, with Antofagasta extending their advantage and La Serena pulling one back late on, but the visitors held firm to seal a 4-2 triumph.

Key Moments

• Early Strike – La Serena Strike First: The home side opened the scoring in the 12th minute through a well-worked move finished by forward Matías Sosa, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
• Antofagasta’s Response: CSD Antofagasta equalized just before the half-hour mark via a powerful header from center-back Diego Orellana from a corner.
• Lead Swings to the Visitors: A quickfire double in the 38th and 42nd minutes – first a long-range strike from Bryan Carvallo and then a tap-in from Andrés Robles – gave Antofagasta a 3-1 lead at the break.
• Second Half Control: Antofagasta made it 4-1 in the 67th minute when substitute Joaquín Larrivey finished a counterattack.
• Late Consolation: La Serena pulled one back in the 85th minute through Lucas Alfaro, but it proved too little, too late.

Tactical Story

Deportes La Serena attempted to dominate possession and play through midfield, but Antofagasta’s compact defensive shape and rapid transitions caught them out repeatedly. The visitors’ ability to win aerial duels and exploit space behind La Serena’s full-backs was decisive. Antofagasta’s midfield trio, led by Federico Martínez, controlled the tempo after taking the lead, forcing La Serena into desperate long balls.

Standout Players

• Bryan Carvallo (Antofagasta): Scored a stunning goal and was a constant threat from the right flank.
• Diego Orellana (Antofagasta): Solid defensively and a key threat from set pieces.
• Matías Sosa (La Serena): Despite the loss, his early goal and relentless pressing stood out.

Impact on the Competition

With this win, CSD Antofagasta advances to the next round of the Chilean Cup, adding momentum to their season. For Deportes La Serena, the loss is a setback, but the team showed character in the second half and will look to bounce back in league action.

The match was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cup football and the depth of talent in the Chilean second tier. Antofagasta will now prepare for their next fixture with confidence after a composed performance away from home.