Union La Calera 1–2 Palestino: Visitors Rally for Hard-Fought Victory in Chilean Primera

In a pulsating encounter at Estadio Municipal Nicolás Chahuán Nazar, Palestino came from behind to defeat Union La Calera 2–1 on Sunday, 24 May 2026, in a match that had significant implications for the mid-table battle in the Chilean Liga de Primera. The result extended Palestino’s unbeaten run to four matches, while La Calera slumped to a second consecutive home defeat.

Match Overview

The match kicked off in bright conditions with both sides looking to impose themselves early. Union La Calera, playing in front of their home supporters, started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute through a clinical finish from striker Matías Cavalleri, who latched onto a through ball from midfielder Leandro Díaz and slotted past goalkeeper Ignacio Arboleda.

However, Palestino grew into the game as the first half progressed. The visitors equalised just before the interval when Luis Jiménez curled a free kick over the wall and into the top corner, leaving La Calera’s keeper with no chance. The goal shifted momentum, and the second half belonged largely to the men in green.

Key Moments

• 22' – Union La Calera 1-0: Cavalleri finishes from close range after a swift counter-attack.
• 44' – Union La Calera 1-1: Jiménez’s exquisite free kick brings Palestino level.
• 67' – Union La Calera 1-2: Substitute Bryan Carrasco heads home a corner at the back post to give Palestino the lead.
• 87' – La Calera’s Nicolás Acevedo is sent off for a second yellow card after a late challenge.

Tactical Story

Union La Calera’s early pressing game caused Palestino problems, but the visitors adjusted after the equaliser. Manager Pablo Guede switched to a more compact 4-4-2, denying space in central areas and forcing La Calera wide. The hosts struggled to create clear chances after the break, with their attacking movements often breaking down due to Palestino’s disciplined defensive block. The introduction of Carrasco proved decisive; his aerial ability added a new dimension to Palestino’s set-piece threat.

Standout Players

• Luis Jiménez (Palestino) – The veteran playmaker controlled the tempo and scored a stunning free kick that turned the game.
• Bryan Carrasco (Palestino) – Came off the bench to score the winner and offered a constant threat down the right flank.
• Matías Cavalleri (Union La Calera) – Took his goal well and worked hard, but lacked support in the second half.

Season Impact

The win lifted Palestino to seventh place in the Liga de Primera standings, now within three points of the top four. For Union La Calera, the loss leaves them in 12th position, just four points above the relegation playoff spot. The defeat also ended a promising run of home form, with the team now needing to regroup ahead of a tough away fixture against Colo-Colo next weekend. With the campaign approaching its midpoint, every point matters in the tightly contested Chilean top flight.