Universidad de Chile thrashed Ñublense 6-0 and closed the gap on leaders Colo Colo, who lost to Coquimbo Unido this Sunday. For the Universidad de Chile squad, the result reopened the title race.
According to La Tercera, Universidad de Chile went into the match with a chance to narrow the gap on Colo Colo following their defeat. Centre-back Matías Zaldivia and midfielder Agustín Arce offered their post-match assessments in comments reported by ADN Radio.
"We were back to being the high-intensity team we have been in most matches," Zaldivia said in the mixed zone. The defender compared the performance with the previous round: "In Antofagasta we lacked that; they played as if it were a final and we didn't."
The centre-back attributed part of the change to having the full squad available, with the return of the internationals and Charles Aránguiz. He also acknowledged that the opposition's sending-off opened up the match for them. The sources do not specify which Ñublense player was sent off or in which minute.
Zaldivia considered two fronts in the standings. He stressed that goal difference matters in the battle with Universidad Católica, but set his sights higher: "Colo Colo dropped points, and no one can take our hope away".
Arce, the 21-year-old midfielder, returned to the team after La Roja's North American tour and scored in the rout. "It's a dream to be there, whether I play or not," he said of his time with the Chilean national team.
The midfielder avoided focusing on their direct rivals. "We're focused on ourselves; we're going to keep winning," he said, describing the match as possibly one of his best for the club.
With six rounds remaining, Zaldivia summed up the plan: "The gap was very big; now it has narrowed. Our hope remains intact, match by match."
