

O'Higgins 2–1 Palestino | Chilean Primera División | June 8, 2026
O’Higgins edged out a gritty 2–1 victory over Palestino at the Estadio El Teniente on Monday night, earning three valuable points in the 2026 Chilean Primera División. The home side came from behind to secure the win, with a second-half surge proving decisive in front of their passionate supporters.
Match Overview
The opening exchanges were tense and tactical, with both teams pressing high and looking to control possession. Palestino drew first blood in the 28th minute when Bryan Carrasco curled a precise free-kick over the wall, leaving home goalkeeper Diego Carreño with no chance. The lead, however, did not last long. O’Higgins struck back just before half-time through a scrappy goal from midfielder Antonio Díaz, who pounced on a rebound after a corner kick went unclaimed by the Palestino defense.
The second half saw O’Higgins take control of the tempo. The winning goal arrived in the 67th minute: a sweeping counter-attack finished by striker Matías Donoso, who slotted calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper after a through-ball from playmaker Felipe Seymour. Palestino pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but were denied by a combination of solid defending and a sharp save from Carreño in the 84th minute.
Key Moments
- 28′ – Bryan Carrasco opens the scoring with a beautiful free-kick (0–1).
- 44′ – Antonio Díaz equalizes from a corner scramble (1–1).
- 67′ – Matías Donoso nets the winner on a swift counter (2–1).
- 84′ – Diego Carreño denies Palestino with a reflex save to preserve the lead.
Tactical Story
O’Higgins manager Víctor Rivero adjusted his side’s shape after the early setback, pushing full-backs higher to congest Palestino’s midfield. The shift allowed O’Higgins to win the second ball and create overloads in wide areas. Palestino, known for their possession-based style, struggled to break down a compact home defense after the interval. Their frustration grew as O’Higgins sat deeper and dared them to find a way through, ultimately succeeding with a disciplined defensive block.
Standout Players
Matías Donoso – The O’Higgins striker was a constant nuisance, scoring the decisive goal and holding up play well throughout the night.
Bryan Carrasco – Palestino’s veteran winger was their brightest spark, scoring a superb free-kick and delivering several dangerous crosses.
Diego Carreño – The home keeper made a crucial late save and commanded his area confidently.
Table Impact
The victory lifted O’Higgins into the top half of the Chilean Primera División standings, moving clear of relegation fears. Palestino, meanwhile, remain mid-table but will rue a missed chance to climb closer to the Copa Libertadores qualifying spots. With the season approaching its halfway point, every point matters in the fiercely competitive league.
O’Higgins will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Unión Española next weekend, while Palestino host Colo-Colo in a high-stakes clash at the Estadio Municipal de La Cisterna.