Colo-Colo Fires Coach Almirón After 4-1 Rout by Universidad Católica

Universidad Católica overwhelmed Colo-Colo 4-1 at Santiago’s Estadio Monumental on Saturday, striking after only 23 seconds through Cristián “Cimbi” Cuevas and never relinquishing control. Cuevas added a second midway through the second half, while Fernando Zampedri and Clemente Montes also scored. Arturo Vidal’s substitution in the 63rd minute was met with loud boos, and isolated fights erupted among Colo-Colo supporters in the stands. The defeat, Colo-Colo’s heaviest home loss to their rivals in six years, immediately triggered managerial fallout. In the post-match press conference Argentine coach Jorge Almirón said it was “time to release pressure,” signalling his exit. Hours later club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed that Almirón, appointed in January, would leave by mutual agreement. Blanco y Negro, the holding company that runs the club, is expected to name an interim coach in the coming days as Colo-Colo sits mid-table in the Liga de Primera.