Colo Colo battled and ended up taking a draw against O’Higgins de Rancagua at the El Teniente Stadium. Albos and celestes clashed in the first leg quarterfinals of the South Central Zone of the Chile 2024 Cup. On a cold day, Popular wasted repeated scoring chances and as if that were not enough, they were left without Arturo Vidal for the rematch at the Monumental Stadium.
Although, in the game, Cacique was the team that proposed the most and reached the rival goal in different ways, the lack of ability to realize his chances ended up taking its toll on him. Those led by Almirón always had to fight from behind.
A great shot from outside the area gave the locals an advantage that marked the surprise in the first half. After Sarrafiore’s score, Cacique’s game declined somewhat, however, Erick Wiemberg noted the equalityshortly before the first half ended.
With the score tied and the second half underway, the Eternal Champion once again looked better on the court. Carlos Palacios was the element that created the most imbalance on the field, but paradoxically, it was the same player who wasted very clear chances. In the end, Guillermo Paiva would end up scoring the final 2-2.
Arturo Vidal regrets the red card
The bitter note of the day came from Arturo Vidal. The captain of the team this afternoon earned the first yellow card for a clash against a rival and when the match was almost over, received the second card for a foul. The King was automatically left out of the rematch at the Monumental Stadium.
Once the commitment was completed, King Arthur spoke with the media and expressed his feelings. “The game was tough, the field was in bad condition, we couldn’t play. But we always try to dominate, to arrive with many players. We had several chances to kill the game, but at least we leave with a draw, we are back home. But I think it was done well,” she began by stating.
Regarding the red card received, Vidal did not hide his anger. “The expulsion does bother me a lot. I think that here in Chile the soccer players have to improve that crying all the time. That’s why later when we go out to play outside they give us the bill and we can’t face the others. Because here in Chile we cry a lot,” said the midfielder.
The second yellow card occurred as a result of a friction and this was reported by the fourth referee. Arturo Vidal explains how it happened and in the process, he is excited about a possible appeal. “I told him that I didn’t do anything to him, I didn’t step on him maliciously. Clearly I took him to the top, but it is not because of a yellow card. Surely he had not charged, he charged the quarter. They told me that the room heard the player’s scream and that was the expulsion. But I hope it can be remedied and we can play the next game,” King concluded.
