Not dead who fights: Rangers get their first victory in the Ascension after 20 days without winning

Rangers secured its first victory of the season in the Chilean Second Division after going 20 matches without a win, ending a long losing streak with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over San Marcos in the opening game of the 22nd round. The match took place at the Carlos Dittborn Stadium in Talca, marking a crucial moment for both teams as they battle for survival in the league. The game was played amid administrative challenges for both clubs. San Marcos faced financial difficulties due to an undisclosed debt that could prevent them from maintaining their operating capital. Meanwhile, Rangers were undergoing changes in ownership, with only two groups set to take control of the club's parent company. Despite these off-field issues, the focus remained on the field, where both sides needed points desperately. For San Marcos, the result would have been vital to keep their hopes alive for staying in the second tier of Chilean football. For Rangers, the win offered a much-needed boost in their fight against relegation. The match started with intensity, and Rangers struck early. In just the third minute of the first half, Boris Sagredo opened the scoring with a low shot that found the net, catching the home team off guard. However, San Marcos responded quickly. At the 18-minute mark, Claudio Servetti headed home an equalizer inside the penalty area, leveling the score and reigniting the contest. Both teams pushed forward in the remaining minutes of the first half, creating chances but failing to break the deadlock. The second half began with continued pressure from both sides. A goalmouth scramble saw Rangers' González fire a soft shot on target in the 58th minute, but the ball lacked power and accuracy. Despite this, Rangers maintained their composure and momentum. Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when González delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Ignacio Mesías rose to meet the ball and scored with a header that nestled into the corner of the net, putting Rangers ahead once again. San Marcos had opportunities to equalize shortly afterward. Mesías broke clear in the 83rd minute but hesitated before taking his shot, which struck the chest of goalkeeper Fabián Cerda and went wide. Moments later, a controversial incident occurred in the 88th minute when the ball struck the hand of San Marcos defender Rozas. The home fans immediately called for a penalty, but after reviewing the footage, referee Araos ruled that the contact was accidental and did not warrant a spot-kick. With six minutes of added time remaining, tension gripped the stadium. A near-miss for San Marcos came when Cerda nearly conceded an own goal, but the ball curled narrowly wide. As the final whistle blew, Rangers celebrated their first win of the campaign, moving three points closer to safety despite still occupying the bottom of the table. The victory marked a turning point for Rangers, who had gone 20 games without a win since the start of the season, with one match suspended due to weather conditions. While the team remains at the bottom of the standings, the result provides hope that their struggles might finally be coming to an end. For San Marcos, the defeat was a setback in their efforts to avoid relegation, though they remain in contention for survival. Both teams will look to build on this match in upcoming fixtures as the race for promotion and relegation continues to intensify. Rangers' manager Ivo Basay praised his players for their resilience following the win, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and unity during difficult times. The squad’s ability to bounce back from an early deficit and secure a crucial victory highlights their determination to stay in the league. With the season entering its final stages, the outcome of future matches will determine whether either team can achieve their goals. For now, Rangers have taken a step forward, proving that even in adversity, there is always a chance to turn things around.