VAR Audio Reveals Reason for No Penalty in Ñublense vs Universidad de Chile Match

The National Professional Football Association (ANFP) has released the VAR audio recordings from the Primera División match between Ñublense and Universidad de Chile, which took place on April 12, 2026. The release aims to clarify a controversial sequence involving a heavy challenge on Ñublense player Javier Altamirano that did not result in a sanction.

The match, held at the Estadio Bicentenario Municipal Nelson Oyarzún, concluded with a 1-0 victory for Ñublense. The decisive goal was scored by Diego Céspedes in the 92nd minute, securing three points for the home side in the ninth round of the competition.

Analysis of the VAR Audio

The released audio provides insight into the communication between the referees and the VAR booth regarding a specific collision between Jovany Campusano of Universidad de Chile and Javier Altamirano. The incident sparked significant debate among players and analysts due to the perceived severity of the contact.

According to the recordings, the officiating team determined that the player from Ñublense played the ball, while the Universidad de Chile player arrived unexpectedly. The VAR dialogue indicated that the Universidad de Chile player antepone el pie, or put his foot forward, in a manner that left the other player with limited options.

One of the key justifications for the lack of a sanction was the assessment that Altamirano asume el riesgo (assumes the risk) during the play. The audio further revealed the refereeing body’s conclusion that the player no puede hacer nada (cannot do anything) in the heat of the moment, leading to the decision to let play continue without a foul or card.

Match Performance and Statistics

Despite the loss, Universidad de Chile dominated much of the match’s possession, controlling 63% of the ball compared to Ñublense’s 37%. However, this dominance did not translate into goals, as both teams finished the match with zero shots on target, according to match statistics.

The starting lineups and tactical setups were as follows:

• Ñublense: Utilized a 3-4-3 formation. Key players included Gabriel Graciani, Israel Poblete, and the match-winner Diego Céspedes.
• Universidad de Chile: Deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. The squad featured players such as Lucas Assadi, Eduardo Vargas, and Marcelo Díaz.

The match was characterized by high tension and several substitutions. Universidad de Chile attempted to adjust their attack with the introduction of players like Agustín Arce and Fernando Ovelar, while Ñublense focused on defensive stability before finding the late winner.

League Context and Standings

The result has immediate implications for the Primera División table. Universidad de Chile currently holds the third position in the standings with 32 points from 16 matches, having recorded 10 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. Their goal difference stands at 19, with 35 goals scored and 16 conceded.

Ñublense, meanwhile, remains in the lower half of the table. After 16 matches, they occupy the 11th position with 17 points. Their record consists of 3 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of -8 (16 goals for and 24 against). The victory over Universidad de Chile provides a critical boost to their campaign to avoid the relegation zone.

The controversy surrounding the VAR decisions continues to be a focal point for sports media and analysts, as the ANFP continues to release audio to maintain transparency in officiating across the league.