Gustavo Canales Guides Unión Española to Victory
Unión Española pushed Antofagasta out of the way thanks to three goals from Gustavo Canales. The journeyman continued his strong form since returning from a doping ban.
The hispanos remain level at the top of the table with Universidad Católica. The cruzados bounced back from their Copa Chile loss and a poor first half to overcome Audax Italiano 2-1.
Canales returned to Unión Española after time in China and Argentina. The striker was banned from three months by the Argentine Football Association after a positive ban. Unión Española have been clear winners from the saga of the past year for Canales.
At the end of 2010, Canales was sold to Universidad de Chile for $1.2 million dollars, at the time a record for a domestic transfer. “La U” received more than double that amount from China’s Dailan Aerbin. Despite the big dollars, Canales didn’t adjust to life in China and returned to South America with Arsenal de Sarandi.
After the positive tests, Arsenal removed Canales from their squad and he returned to Chile and Unión Española. His first official game saw an impressive performance from the bench against Universidad Católica, while the triple saw la furia roja remain at the top of the table on goal difference.
The attacking triad of Canales, Patricio Rubio and Sebastián Jaime has paid dividends as Unión Española fight for the title. After sneaking into the playoffs in the 2012 Clausura, los hispanos looked to have the title in the bag, before falling to Huachipato on penalties.
2012 saw regular fixtures between Unión Española and Universidad Católica, with the teams meeting not only during the regular season, but also in the Copa Libertadores, Copa Chile and the playoffs. The teams met eight times during 2012.
With Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica facing off for another match, Unión Española will hope to move ahead of their rivals with only two games remaining in the tournament.
About the Author
Daniel Boyle Founder of @sportslashlife. Australian living in Chile. Freestyle footbag player and passionate sports fan.
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