Ñublense left its qualification to the final of the southern zone of the Copa Chile in suspense after losing 2-1 on Monday night, against Deportes Linares, in the first leg of the semifinals of the regional phase.

At the “Tucapel Bustamante” Fiscal Stadium, the Red Devils were unable to sustain their initial advantage after Matías Plaza opened the scoring in the 6th minute and succumbed to the impetuous reaction of the Linares team.

Rodrigo Meléndez’s team was only outplayed at the start of the match, but went into the break showing that they had the energy to challenge Rojo.

And so it happened. At 52′, Sebastián Peñaloza scored the equaliser with a precise header after a cross from Diego Vallejos, who took advantage of an erratic exit from the Chilanejo team. Four minutes later, Peñaloza himself scored the 2-1 after a corner kick and a series of rebounds, in the middle of a thick fog.

Ñublense tried to react after the expulsion of Linares defender Flavio Rojas, but could not overcome the courageous Deportes Linares.

Towards the end of the classic, Ñublense defender Sebastián Valencia was sent off, having to foul Soza when he was going alone to score the 3-1.

“We played a bad game. We were not up to par. The way we approached the game was not with the attitude we should have because they outplayed us afterwards. Linares was a fair winner and leaves us with the challenge of winning and making a difference at home,” said disappointed coach Mario Salas.