What Is 2018 Primera División de Chile

Overview

The 2018 Primera División de Chile marked the 87th season of the country's premier professional football league. Organized by the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP), the season featured a split format with two tournaments: the Campeonato Scotiabank Apertura and the Campeonato Scotiabank Clausura.

This structure allowed for two separate champions to emerge, with the winners of each tournament advancing to a final series to determine the overall national champion. The season began on February 2 and concluded on December 16, 2018, following a rigorous schedule across multiple phases.

• Universidad Católica claimed the Apertura title after finishing first in the regular season with 39 points from 18 matches, edging out Colo-Colo by two points.
• Colo-Colo won the Clausura tournament, securing the top spot with 40 points and an impressive 11 wins in 18 games, showcasing strong second-half form.
• The final championship series was a two-leg playoff, with Universidad Católica defeating Colo-Colo 3–1 on aggregate to claim the overall title.
• A total of 16 teams participated in the league, including promoted side Deportes Antofagasta, which returned after a one-year absence.
• The season featured 306 matches in total, with 782 goals scored at an average of 2.55 goals per game, reflecting competitive balance across the league.

How It Works

The 2018 Primera División used a split-season format common in Latin American football, designed to maintain fan interest throughout the year. Each tournament followed a double round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to knockout stages.

• Apertura Tournament: Played from February to May, the Apertura consisted of 18 rounds where each team faced the others once home and once away. The team with the most points advanced to the final series.
• Clausura Tournament: Running from July to November, the Clausura followed the same format, with Colo-Colo topping the table to earn their spot in the final.
• Final Series: The winners of Apertura and Clausura faced off in a two-legged final; if tied on aggregate, the Apertura champion was crowned due to better regular-season performance.
• Relegation System: The two lowest-placed teams based on a relegation average (points over the past three seasons) were demoted. In 2018, San Luis de Quillota was relegated.
• International Qualification: The top teams earned spots in the 2019 Copa Libertadores and 2019 Copa Sudamericana, with Universidad Católica qualifying for the Libertadores group stage.
• Sponsorship & Broadcasting: The league was officially named Campeonato Scotiabank due to title sponsorship, with matches broadcast nationally by TNT Sports and online via DAZN.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between the top four teams in the 2018 Primera División season:

The table illustrates how consistent performance across both tournaments benefited Universidad Católica, whose strong Apertura campaign gave them a decisive edge in the final series. Colo-Colo’s superior Clausura form nearly overturned the deficit, but ultimately fell short. This format rewards both peak performance and consistency, shaping the competitive landscape of Chilean football.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was significant for its dramatic conclusion and the reaffirmation of traditional powerhouses in Chilean football. It also highlighted structural issues, including calls for format reform and increased competitiveness among mid-tier clubs.

• Historic Title Win: Universidad Católica secured their 13th national title, reinforcing their status as one of Chile’s most successful clubs.
• Derby Drama: The final pitted two Santiago giants against each other, drawing massive viewership and boosting league popularity.
• Youth Development: Several young players, including Ben Brereton of Universidad de Chile, gained prominence, signaling a shift toward younger squads.
• Commercial Growth: The Scotiabank sponsorship and DAZN streaming deal marked a step forward in monetizing Chilean football.
• Relegation Controversy: San Luis de Quillota’s relegation sparked debate over the fairness of the three-year average system, prompting calls for change.
• International Impact: The champion’s qualification for the 2019 Copa Libertadores provided a platform for Chilean clubs on the continental stage.

The 2018 Primera División de Chile remains a benchmark season for competitive balance, fan engagement, and structural evolution in South American football.