Manager Jorge Sampaoli knew that for Chile to have an amazing performance, Alexis Sanchez would have to yet again be on top form like he did in his season at Arsenal. He scored in his first match against Ecuador in the opening match of the 2015 Copa America and did the same against Mexico in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
He imposed some troubles for the Mexicans as he played on the right wing yet again for the hosts, but was unable to score. Ranking second only to playmaker Jorge Valdivia in terms of touches (79), the Arsenal man was certainly an important performer.
How the game panned out
Mexico took the lead through beautifully crafted team goal as Matias Vuoso slotted home from a Juan Carlos Medina knock-down. The lead didn't last long as Charles Aranguiz's corner was superbly met by Arturo Vidal, who powerfully headed home to draw things level.
Headers would be something fans would get used to in this match as Adrian Aldrete's corner was sweetly met by Raul Jimenez to give the Mexicans the lead once more. It would go back and forth. Three minutes before the break, Chile were back on level terms again when Vidal's esquisite cross was powered in to the bottom left corner by Eduardo Vargas.
Minutes later, Vidal was in the action again when he ran on to an Alexis hrough-ball but was taken down by Flores, giving referee Victor Carillo no choice but to give a penalty, and the Juventus man scored from his spot-kick.
When it was eventually 3-3, Alexis had a golden chance to bend the ball into the far post but miscued and sent it wide of the far post. That was one of his three shots on the night, with just one just hitting on target.
He almost created La Roja's fourth following a typically dazzling dribble, one of four on the night, more than anybody on the pitch. He was denied a goal yet again as following Mauricio Isla's low cross to flick the ball home at the back post, his celebrations were halted as it was rulled offside. Replays showed it to be an incredibly tight call and the Gunner couldn't believe it.
In the end, according to Opta, he won 43.8% of the duels and with his 48 total passes, had a passing accuracy of 71% and will now have a chance to redeem himself against Bolivia for the winner of the group on Friday.