Chilean Championship. Serie B
The Chilean Serie B Championship (Primera B de Chile) is the second tier of Chilean professional football, featuring 16 teams battling for promotion to Primera División and avoiding relegation to Tercera División. The season runs from February to December with a mid-year break, blending historic clubs with regional underdogs for thrilling, unpredictable competition.
History and foundation
Founded in 1952 as Segunda División, it professionalized in 1953 and restructured in the 1970s. Notable moments: Colchagua's surprise 1955 title; Universitario de Deportes' rise in the 1980s; a 2017 match-fixing scandal prompting ANFP reforms. Clubs like Coquimbo Unido have earned multiple promotions, showcasing resilience.
Tournament format
16 teams play a 30-match double round-robin. Top 8 enter playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, final for promotion. Bottom two relegate directly; third-last in play-out. Ties resolved by extra time and penalties. 2023 updates include fair play rules.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match: 2.7, emphasizing defense in playoffs. All-time top scorer: Juan Jorge Roa (120+ goals for Magallanes in 1990s). Stars include Gonzalo Súniga (to Primera and national team), Marcelo Díaz (from Rangers), and modern talents like Fernando Escobar (Barnechea). 2022 top scorer: Daniel Podgio (18 goals). Serie B nurtures prospects for Europe.