In a stunning display of football prowess, Estudiantes de La Plata triumphed over Universidad de Chile with a decisive 3-0 victory in the Copa Libertadores match held on May 7, 2025, at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago. The Argentine side showcased their strength and tactical superiority, leaving the home team searching for answers.
The match kicked off at 20:00 local time, and it didn’t take long for Estudiantes to assert their dominance. Tiago Palacios opened the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by Santiago Ascacíbar doubling the lead just nine minutes later. Guido Carrillo capped off a brilliant first half with a goal in the 38th minute, leaving Universidad de Chile trailing 3-0 at halftime.
Despite having equal possession of 50%, Universidad de Chile struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. They managed six shots on target compared to Estudiantes' one, but the visitors made their chances count. The home team’s goalkeeper, Gabriel Castellón, had a busy evening, making crucial saves, including a header from Ascacíbar that could have extended the deficit further.
Universidad de Chile's coach, Gustavo Álvarez, made significant changes at halftime, bringing on Javier Altamirano, Contreras, Fernández, and Guerrero in hopes of turning the tide. However, the adjustments did little to change the momentum of the match. Javier Altamirano led a promising counterattack but failed to score, as Estudiantes’ defense held firm.
As the second half progressed, Estudiantes continued to defend their lead while looking for counterattack opportunities. Cristian Medina and Santiago Ascacíbar were both cautioned with yellow cards, reflecting the increasing tension on the pitch. The match saw a flurry of corner kicks for Universidad de Chile, but they couldn’t capitalize on these set-piece opportunities.
With the match entering its final stages, it was clear that Estudiantes was in control. They had already secured a vital three points, propelling them to the top of Group A in the Copa Libertadores standings. The victory was particularly sweet for Estudiantes, who had suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Argentinos Juniors just days prior. Coach Eduardo Domínguez was pleased with the response from his team, saying, "All the points are very important. We know the prestige of Estudiantes and the magnitude of the squad. We are well, the team must be above individual names."
On the other hand, Universidad de Chile faced a challenging situation. They entered the match as the group leaders but now find themselves needing to regroup quickly. Their previous encounter with Estudiantes ended in a 2-1 victory for the U, but this time, they were unable to replicate that success. The absence of key player Charles Aránguiz, who missed the match due to a muscle tear, was felt throughout the game.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3-0 in favor of Estudiantes, marking a significant moment in the Copa Libertadores group stage. This result not only boosted Estudiantes’ morale but also raised questions about Universidad de Chile’s ability to maintain their form in the tournament. The U will need to bounce back quickly as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Carabobo and Botafogo, both critical for their aspirations of advancing in the competition.
Looking ahead, Estudiantes will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their journey in the Copa Libertadores. With a solid lineup, including the likes of Ascacíbar and Carrillo, they have the potential to challenge for the title. Meanwhile, Universidad de Chile must address their issues and find a way to convert their possession into goals if they hope to remain competitive in the group.
The match was officiated by referee Andrés Rojas Noguera, who had a busy evening managing the heated exchanges between both teams. The encounter was broadcast live on Disney+ Premium, allowing fans to witness the thrilling action unfold.
In conclusion, Estudiantes de La Plata's commanding performance against Universidad de Chile serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the Copa Libertadores. With the group stage heating up, every match carries significant weight, and both teams will need to adapt quickly as they strive for success in this prestigious tournament.
