Universidad Católica and Audax Italiano match dispute

The match between Universidad Católica and Audax Italiano was originally suspended following an alluvial event in the San Carlos de Apoquindo sector of Las Condes, which resulted in the stadium being utilized as a coordination and collection center.

Following the suspension, the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) rescheduled the fixture for October 28 at the Claro Arena. Universidad Católica filed a formal complaint against the ANFP, alleging that the rescheduling violated legal and regulatory timeframes, specifically citing Article 28 of Law No. 19.327 regarding the required ten-business-day notice for professional football spectacles. The club argued it had not received formal documentation proving authorization and requested alternative dates.

Despite the legal dispute, the match proceeded. The rescheduled Liga de Primera fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at the Claro Arena. Fernando Zampedri scored for Universidad Católica in the 28th minute with a header, marking his 27th goal of the tournament. Audax Italiano equalized in the 55th minute via a penalty converted by César Pinares.

Following this result, Universidad Católica coach Daniel Garnero expressed concerns regarding the team’s form, noting difficulties in controlling matches and a lack of clinical finishing. The club is looking to recover points after a subsequent 1-3 loss to Unión La Calera.

Universidad Católica is now scheduled to host Universidad de Chile on November 1 at the Claro Arena in the Clásico Universitario. The match is a critical fixture for both clubs as they compete for second place in the Liga de Primera, a position that offers direct qualification to the 2027 Copa Libertadores group stage. Universidad de Chile currently holds second place with 48 points, while Universidad Católica follows in third with 43 points.