CD Magallanes produced a pulsating comeback to edge past Union Espanola 3-2 in a thrilling Liga de Ascenso clash on the night of 3 August 2026, maintaining their perfect home record and deepening Union Espanola's early-season frustrations.

In front of a lively crowd at the Estadio Municipal Luis Navarro Avilés, the match had everything: a frantic first half, a brilliant fightback, and a late winner that sent the Magallanes faithful into raptures. The result lifts the hosts into the upper reaches of the Chilean second division table, while Union Espanola will be left ruing a lapse of concentration at the back.

Union Espanola strike first, Magallanes respond instantly

Union Espanola looked the sharper side in the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead on 23 minutes. A low cross from the right was met with a precise first-time finish that left the home goalkeeper with no chance. The visitors threatened to add a second moments later, forcing a fine save from a curling free-kick.

But Magallanes showed the resilience that has become their trademark under the floodlights. Just before the half-hour mark, they levelled with a well-worked set-piece routine, heading home from close range after a pin-point delivery. The momentum shifted immediately, and the home side began to dominate possession, rewarding their control with a second goal shortly before the interval. A loose ball in the box was smashed into the roof of the net, sparking wild celebrations.

Fightback and a dramatic finale

Union Espanola responded positively after the break and levelled in the 67th minute with a composed finish after a quick counter-attack. At 2-2, the game opened up, and both teams pushed for the winner. Magallanes spurned two glorious chances, hitting the post on one occasion, before finally breaking through in the 84th minute.

A surging run down the left flank carved open the Union defence, and the resulting cross was turned home at the near post. Union Espanola threw men forward in stoppage time, but Magallanes held firm to claim a statement victory.

What this result means

• Magallanes extend their unbeaten run at home to six matches in all competitions.
• Union Espanola remain winless away from home this season, and have conceded late goals in three of their last four matches.
• The three points move Magallanes up to third in the Liga de Ascenso standings, two points behind the early leaders.

For the neutral, the game was a reminder of the talent and intensity present in Chile's second tier. For Magallanes, it was another night of belief-building momentum in what is shaping up to be a fascinating promotion battle.