Huachipato edges Rangers in Chile’s Clausura semifinals

Manuel Villalobos scores lone goal to help Huachipato get closer to Clausura finals.

Huachipato gave a solid performance in front of their home fans on Thursday evening, beating Rangers 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals of the Clausura playoffs. After a half of stalemate, Huachipato slotted a goal in early in the second half to gain a slight advantage going into the second leg of the semifinals.

Rangers had their fair share of chances, but they could not hit the mark. Forward Milton Caraglio continued his eight-game dry streak, missing a header in the 17th minute and muffing a shot in the 61st.

Both Rangers and Huachipato started out in a deadlock, as neither got any shooting opportunities in the first 10 minutes. César Cortés started the action putting a shot over the crossbar in the 14th minute, but neither team made the most of their opportunities, ending the first half in a 0-0 tie.

Manuel Villalobos put Huachipato ahead in the second half, scoring the lone goal in the 56th minute with a shot in the area after a cross from César Cortés. Huachipato continued their dominance for the rest of the second half, keeping up the pressure with shots from winger Daniel González in the 65th minute, as well as another chance from Villalobos in stoppage time.

Not even three second half substitutes from Rangers could overcome the second half drive of Huachipato. Caraglio’s continued dry streak, as well as the team’s incapacity to capitalize on a mistake by Huachipato goalkeeper Nery Veloso left Rangers scoreless at the final whistle.

Winner goes on to play either Unión Española or Colo Colo for the championship. Unión Española is currently leading the tie after beating Colo Colo 3-1 Wednesday in the first leg.

Huachipato and Rangers will go on to the second leg of the semifinal at Rangers’ home stadium in Talca on Sunday.

By Aaron Walck (walck@santiagotimes.cl)
Copyright 2012- The Santiago Times