Maximiliano Romero: Colo Colo goals Spanish Union and continues with a perfect basket in the Chilean Cup

In a decisive match at Estadio Santa Laura on June 29, 2026, Colo Colo secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Unión Española in the fourth round of the Copa Chile Group E. This result solidified Colo Colo's position as the sole leader of their group, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament and further strengthening their dominance in both the national league and the domestic cup. The win was largely attributed to the standout performance of Maximiliano Romero, who scored two goals and played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

The match took place in the commune of Independencia, where the traditional rivalry between these two clubs was rekindled. Despite Unión Española being a second-tier team fighting for promotion, they entered the game with strong intentions and nearly found the net early on. In the fourth minute, Patricio Rubio had a clear opportunity but was denied by goalkeeper Gabriel Maureira, whose crucial save prevented an early goal. However, this initial pressure did not last long, as Colo Colo gradually regained control of the match.

By the 23rd minute, Álvaro Madrid tested the home side’s keeper, Julio Fierro, with a one-on-one chance, which the latter handled effectively. Just two minutes later, however, the visitors struck first. Maximiliano Romero capitalized on a precise cross from Leandro Hernández, heading the ball into the net to give Colo Colo the lead. His goal marked the beginning of a dominant display by the forward, who would soon become the hero of the match.

As the game progressed into the second half, the pattern remained consistent. Unión Española struggled to create meaningful chances, while Colo Colo continued to press forward. At the 53rd minute, another moment of brilliance came from Romero, who was fouled inside the box. Leandro Hernández converted the resulting penalty to extend the lead to 2-0. The home crowd could do little to stop the onslaught, as Colo Colo maintained their intensity throughout the match.

Romero added a third goal in the 63rd minute after forcing a defensive error and finishing coolly with a low shot. This strike sealed the outcome and ensured that Colo Colo would remain undefeated in the group stage. Manager Fernando Ortiz used the remaining time to experiment with younger players, sending on Felipe Raipán in the 72nd minute. Unfortunately, the young talent made an immediate impact by receiving a red card just two minutes later due to a late challenge.

With three consecutive victories under their belt, Colo Colo now leads Group E with nine points, leaving Unión Española and Deportes Recoleta tied for second place with four points each. O’Higgins remains at the bottom with only two points. The win not only highlights Colo Colo’s superiority in the competition but also reinforces their status as the top team in the national league.

The match was broadcast live on TNT Sports Premium and streamed via HBO Max, allowing fans across the country to follow the action. The game was scheduled for Monday, June 29, starting at 7:30 PM local time. As the Copa Chile continues, attention will shift to how other teams perform in upcoming fixtures, particularly as the race for advancement intensifies. With Colo Colo showing no signs of slowing down, the path to the knockout stages appears increasingly clear for the reigning champions.