Audax Italiano took a significant step toward the Copa Chile quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over CD Magallanes at Estadio Municipal de La Florida on June 28, 2026. The home side rode a spirited first-half performance and held off a late push from the visiting "Manito" to claim the advantage in this round-of-16 tie.

Match Overview

The intensity of the Chilean Cup was on full display as two sides with contrasting recent histories clashed under the lights. Audax Italiano, aiming to return to national prominence, faced a Magallanes side that has been reinvigorated since returning to the top flight. The match delivered drama from the opening whistle, with both teams pressing high and committing numbers forward.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Audax Italiano 1-0: A swift counter-attack caught Magallanes off guard. Winger Gabriel Hauche received a through ball from midfield and slotted calmly past the keeper.
• 38th minute – Audax Italiano 2-0: Center-back Matías Campos López rose highest at a corner kick, powering a header into the top corner to double the lead before halftime.
• 67th minute – Magallanes 1-2: The visitors pulled one back through a clinical finish from substitute Fabián Hormazábal, who latched onto a deflected cross inside the six-yard box.

Tactical Story

Audax Italiano employed a compact 4-4-2 defensive block for much of the second half, absorbing pressure and looking to break on the counter. Magallanes dominated possession after the break (62% in the second period) but struggled to create clear chances against a well-organized backline. The home side’s early two-goal cushion proved decisive, as Magallanes pushed numbers forward but left gaps that Audax nearly exploited on multiple occasions.

Standout Performers

• Matías Campos López (Audax Italiano): Imperious at the back, the defender not only scored but made six clearances and two interceptions.
• Gabriel Hauche (Audax Italiano): His early goal set the tone, and he contributed three key passes before being substituted in the 78th minute.
• Fabián Hormazábal (Magallanes): A lively cameo off the bench, his goal gave his team hope, but he could not engineer an equalizer.

What This Means

Audax Italiano now carry a one-goal lead into the second leg, scheduled for early July. For Magallanes, returning home with a narrow deficit is far from ideal, but given their attacking potential, the tie remains very much alive. The winner will face either Cobresal or Unión Española in the quarterfinals.