Deportes Copiapó

Early years: 1999–2012

Deportes Copiapó was founded on 9 March 1999 following the disappearance of Regional Atacama, which had represented the city of Copiapó before financial difficulties led to its dissolution. The new club was established as Club de Deportes Copiapó S.A. and became the first sports corporation of its kind in Chile, with Ítalo González serving as its first president. The club entered the Tercera División in its inaugural season and quickly became a regular promotion contender. Copiapó reached three consecutive finals between 2000 and 2002, losing the first two to Unión La Calera and Lota Schwager before defeating Malleco Unido 7–1 in the decisive match of the 2002 tournament. The victory gave the club its first official title and promotion to the Primera B. Copiapó made its professional debut in 2003 with a 5–0 away victory over Deportes La Serena at the Estadio La Portada, a result that became one of the most notable debuts by a club promoted from Chilean amateur football. The club established itself in Primera B and came close to reaching the top flight in 2007. Under manager Nelson Cossio, Copiapó finished fourth in the regular season and qualified for the promotion play-offs, where it competed against Santiago Morning and Puerto Montt. Although Copiapó defeated Puerto Montt 4–3 in the final match, Santiago Morning ultimately secured promotion. After several seasons in Primera B, Copiapó competed in the newly established Segunda División…