The Codelco El Teniente Stadium in Rancagua was the setting for a night that will be etched in the memory of the light blue fans. O'Higgins successfully debuted in the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana by defeating Millonarios from Colombia, a result that not only provides three vital points but also serves as the perfect "gift" for the institution on its 71st anniversary. A victory with authority and conviction The head coach of the "light blues," Lucas Bovaglio, did not hide his pride in the performance of his players, highlighting the maturity shown against a continental heavyweight.
"It was a beautiful night... we started with a victory, with a serious, convincing performance from the team. I feel we deserved to win, that we were superior to the opponent," the strategist stated after the match.
Bovaglio emphasized the importance of the date, calling the victory "the cherry on top" for the club's birthday. Defensive solidity was key, especially considering the absences of Brizuela and Robledo. Juan Leiva highlighted the depth of the squad by stating, "There is a lot of confidence in the team...
I trust any of my teammates. " Meanwhile, Francisco González underscored the group's personality: "This team gives its all, stands up to anyone in front of them... today we really saw a very mature team.
" Maturana and his personal revenge One of the standout names of the day was young Martín Maturana, who made his debut i…
" Another player who confirmed his good international form was Arnaldo Castillo, who scored again after his previous goal in Bahia. "I'm happy with the team's performance, with the sacrifice they made... what we've worked on is paying off," commented the forward, downplaying past criticisms and focusing on the connection with the fans.
El Teniente: An impregnable fortress O'Higgins has managed to transform their stadium into an impenetrable venue in international competitions, accumulating consecutive victories against teams like Bahia, Tolima, and now Millonarios. Leandro Díaz emphasized this point: "Thank God we've been able to build a fortress here at home. The support from the people is very important too.
" Bovaglio attributes this phenomenon to a special connection between the squad and the stands. "Something really beautiful has been created... the team responds, the team competes," he mentioned, referring to a special "aura" surrounding the current group.
Colombian self-criticism From the opposing side, Chilean Rodrigo Ureña, midfielder for Millonarios, was harsh on his team's performance. "Sad, obviously, we weren't up to par... I don't remember a moment in the match where we felt comfortable," confessed the midfielder.
Ureña acknowledged the home team's superiority in terms of intensity: "They are a great team... they know how to play and obviously work very well with their coaching staff. " With this victory, O'Higgins not only starts their international journey on the right foot but also reaffirms a sports project that, in the words of their coach, "they will defend to the death" to make this an unforgettable year for the city of Rancagua.
The next challenge for the light blues will be this Friday against Huachipato in the local tournament.