Universidad de Chile finally silenced the ghosts of the National Stadium on Sunday, securing a dominant 4-0 victory over Deportes La Serena to mark Fernando Gago’s debut for Universidad de Chile in the National Championship. The win ends a frustrating drought for the “U” in Ñuñoa, providing the Argentine manager with a clinical result that mirrors his recent success in the League Cup.
The match was a tale of two distinct halves. Whereas the final scoreline suggests a blowout, the first 45 minutes were a tentative struggle for the home side. Gago, who was confirmed as the replacement for Francisco Meneghini on March 20 after watching the team from the stands, found his tactical plans disrupted by a disciplined and aggressive La Serena side.
For much of the first period, the “Papayeros” controlled the tempo, finishing the half with 59% possession. They played with a confidence that left the home crowd uneasy, finding gaps in the U’s defensive line and forcing the hosts into a reactive posture. The only significant threat from the home side came in the 15th minute, when a shot by Ignacio Vásquez forced a sharp, deflected save from goalkeeper Lanzillotta.
The tension peaked during a controversial moment when referee Mario Salvo initially issued a direct red card to La Serena’s Yahir Salazar for a foul on Fabián Hormazábal. However, after a VAR review, the decision was downgraded to a yellow card, sparing the visitors from playing a man down and keeping the contest balanced heading into the break.
A tactical shift at halftime
Whatever was said in the dressing room during the interval served as a catalyst for a complete transformation. The second half saw a revitalized Universidad de Chile emerge with a level of intensity and cohesion that had been entirely absent in the first. Gago made a decisive personnel change, introducing young Argentine Lucas Barrera in place of the cautioned Paraguayan Romero.
The shift in momentum was immediate. La Serena, who had dominated the ball in the first half, suddenly found themselves unable to maintain possession or penetrate the midfield. The “U” began attacking with depth and precision, breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute when Fabián Hormazábal scored on a deflected shot that looped over Lanzillotta.
The floodgates opened just five minutes later. Maxi Guerrero doubled the lead in the 55th minute, rising to meet a cross from Poblete with a header that left the defense beaten. This goal shifted the psychological weight of the match, leaving La Serena chasing a game that was rapidly slipping away.
The return of Lucas Assadi
Beyond the goals, the afternoon provided a significant boost to the squad’s morale with the return of Lucas Assadi. The talented number 10, who had been sidelined by injury, entered the match replacing Ignacio Vásquez shortly after the second goal. Assadi’s reappearance added a layer of creativity to the attack that the team had missed during his absence.
His influence was felt late in the game when he orchestrated the final play of the match. In the 93rd minute, Assadi delivered a precise ball on the left wing that allowed Agustín Arce to slot home the fourth and final goal, sealing the victory in stoppage time.
The clinical nature of the second half was summarized in the following scoring sequence:
| Minute | Scorer | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 50′ | Fabián Hormazábal | Deflected shot |
| 55′ | Maxi Guerrero | Header (Poblete assist) |
| 68′ | Javier Altamirano | Left-footed strike |
| 90’+3 | Agustín Arce | Finish (Assadi assist) |
Breaking the home curse
The victory is particularly symbolic because it marks the first time Universidad de Chile has won a home match at the National Stadium during the 2026 campaign. Prior to this result, the team had struggled to find their footing in Ñuñoa, failing to secure wins in the local championship, the League Cup, and a Copa Sudamericana fixture against Palestino.
With 23,694 fans in attendance, the atmosphere shifted from anxiety to celebration as the match progressed. The win brings the “U” to 13 points in the standings, significantly improving their trajectory under Gago’s leadership. This result follows a 3-1 victory over Audax Italiano in the League Cup, establishing a positive momentum for the Argentine coach as he begins to implement his long-term footballing proposal.
The club now looks toward its next fixture to see if this renewed efficiency at home can be translated into a consistent run in the standings. Official updates regarding the next match schedule and player fitness will be released via the club’s communications department.
Do you feel Fernando Gago has found the right formula to unlock the U’s potential at the National Stadium? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
