Unión Española

Unión Española is a sports institution based in the Independencia commune of the city of Santiago, Chile. Its main activity is professional football, in which it currently competes in the Primera División of Chile. In addition, the club has a women's football section and takes part in national tournaments through its youth categories. It is one of the oldest teams in the country.

It was founded by a group of Spaniards resident in Chile and descendants of Spaniards under the name Centro Español de Instrucción y Recreación on 18 May 1897. The intention was to establish a leisure centre for Spanish immigrants who, because of their economic circumstances, could not gain access to the social clubs of the time. Finally, the club was refounded on 12 April 1934 following the merger of the Centro Español de Instrucción y Recreación with the Unión Deportiva Española, and was renamed Unión Española.

Its stadium is Santa Laura, popularly known as the "cathedral of Chilean football". Located in the north of Santiago, after its remodelling it has a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators. The club is distinguished by being one of only four Chilean teams that own their own stadium.

Owing to its roots, the colours that identify the institution are red and yellow, in reference to the colours of the flag of Spain.

It is the 5th team with the most Primera División titles, holding 7 championships. Its honours also include 2 Copas Chile, 1 Supercopa de Chile and 1 Primera B championship. In addition, with 90 official seasons played, it is the 2nd team with the most appearances in the Primera División, surpassed only by Colo-Colo. At international level, it has taken part in 13 editions of the Copa Libertadores de América and is among the four Chilean teams that have reached a final, finishing as runners-up after being defeated by Independiente in 1975.

Its historic rival is Audax Italiano, against whom it plays the "Clásico de Colonias", representing the Spanish and Italian communities, the most important ones settled in the country. In addition, the fixture against Universidad Católica has gained importance, evoking the old rivalry of the "Clásico de Independencia". Both for the club's supporters and for part of the press, this match is still considered a derby today.