Chilean Primera B: Deportes Linares leads playoffs as Copiapó and Magallanes draw

In the Chilean Primera B, Deportes Linares maintained its lead in the promotion playoff standings following a narrow victory over Colchagua. Assistant coach Jorge Carrasco, who managed the team during Rodrigo Meléndez's suspension, emphasized the importance of securing points to stay in the promotion race, even when prioritizing results over style. The team will enter a nearly month-long break for the Fiestas Patrias holidays to address tactical details.

In another match, Deportes Copiapó and Magallanes played to a 1-1 draw. Magallanes initially controlled the game and took a lead through Matías Fredes, but the momentum shifted when goalkeeper Joaquín Muñoz received a direct red card, followed shortly by the expulsion of coach Miguel Ponce. Copiapó utilized the numerical advantage to equalize via Manuel López in the 72nd minute. Magallanes remains in sixth place with 37 points, while Copiapó sits in 11th with 31 points.