Metropolitanos advanced to the Sudamericana groups on penalties

 

Metropolitanos FC managed to secure the first of the two coveted Venezuelan spots to access the group stage of the exciting Copa Sudamericana 2024. This significant victory materialized after a vibrant confrontation against Carabobo FC, which was finally resolved in an exciting penalty shootout. .

The scene of this intense football battle was the Misael Delgado stadium in Valencia, where both teams gave themselves completely in search of continental glory. The score ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time, but it was in the penalty shootout where Metropolitanos FC showed their mettle by winning 5-4 over Carabobo FC.

The show broke out in the 7th minute, when Charlis Ortiz, with cunning and precision, put the visitors ahead, marking the purple territory from the first stages of the match. Although Carabobo FC maintained greater possession of the ball in the first half, the purple team knew how to intelligently manage its advantage.

However, the dynamics of the match changed in the second stage, where the local team, Carabobo FC, exhibited a clearer and more determined dominance. This control resulted in a penalty in their favor, the product of an obvious handball by Anthony Graterol, providing an invaluable opportunity to level the score and change the course of the game.

Suspense and emotion took over the fans present and the spectators who followed the confrontation through various platforms. The skill of the players in the penalty shootout was key, and Metropolitanos FC emerged victorious, consolidating their passage to the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana 2024 and carrying with them the pride of representing Venezuela in this prestigious international competition. This victory not only highlights the soccer quality of the purple team, but also its ability to overcome obstacles and reach new horizons in the exciting panorama of South American soccer.

The epic feat of Metropolitanos FC on their way to the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana 2024 will be etched in the memories of fans after their victory in a thrilling penalty shootout over Carabobo FC. The scene of this football battle was the majestic Misael Delgado stadium in Valencia, where both teams provided a show full of intensity and emotion.

The final score of 1-1 in regulation time reflected the parity of forces between the two squads, but it was in the penalty shootout where Metropolitanos stood out, sealing their pass to the next phase with a result of 5-4. The drama and tension reached their peak, turning this confrontation into a test of mettle and skill for both formations.

The first half of the match was marked by the tactical astuteness of Metropolitanos, who, despite giving possession of the ball to Carabobo, managed to take the lead in the 7th minute thanks to Charlis Ortiz's goal. Intelligence in game management allowed the visitors to maintain the lead for much of the first half, creating a solid foundation to face the challenges ahead.

The second stage saw a change in dynamics, with Carabobo showing clearer ideas and taking control of the game. This dominance resulted in a penalty in favor of the home team, the result of an obvious handball by Anthony Graterol. The decision was submitted to the VAR review, which concluded with the expulsion of the player and the successful execution of Juan Carlos Ortiz in the 64th minute.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home team continued to attack with determination, creating dangerous situations at the Metropolitanos goal. Only in the final minutes of regulation time, the capital team managed to reverse the flow of the game and threaten Carabobo's goal, adding excitement and suspense to the confrontation.

The penalty shootout was a tense and relentless one-on-one. Both teams showed nerves of steel by converting their first four charges impeccably. However, the fifth turn was decisive when Uruguayan goalkeeper Álvaro Villete emerged as a hero by stopping Juan Francisco Apaolaza's shot, ensuring Metropolitanos' classification with an outstanding performance.

With this victory, Metropolitanos FC secures a place in the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana for the third consecutive year, cementing its presence as a respected and feared competitor on the international stage. The experience accumulated in previous editions will undoubtedly strengthen the team's determination and confidence as it prepares to face new challenges and seek glory in the continental tournament.

1 (4)- Carabobo: Lucas Bruera, Marcel Guaramato, Leonardo Aponte, Carlos Lujano, Luis Jiménez, Gustavo González, Harrison Contreras (Francisco Flores, 84'), Juan Carlos Ortiz, Juan Camilo Pérez, Robert Hernández (José Balza, 67 ′), Juan Francisco Apaolaza. DT: Diego Merino.

1 (5)- Metropolitans: Álvaro Villete, Fabián Cuero, Kevin De La Hoz (Steven Pabón, 54'), Jean Fuentes, Anthony Graterol, Emerson Ruiz (Ely Valderrey, 67'), Robert Garcés, David Zalzman (Maike Villero, 46'), Robinson Flores, Ervin Zorrilla (Angelo Lucena, 87'), Charlis Ortiz (Francisco Bareiro, 87'). DT: José María Morr.

Goals: Juan Carlos Ortiz 64′ p – Charlis Ortiz 7′.

Penalties: Francisco Flores (goal), Lujano (goal), González (goal), Juan Carlos Ortiz (goal), Apaolaza (blocked) – Lucena (goal), Garcés (goal), Cuero (goal), Robinson Flores (goal) , Bareiro (goal).

Referee: Ivo Méndez (Bolivia).

Expelled: Anthony Graterol 62'.

Reprimanded: Apaolaza, Aponte – Cuero.

Stadium: Misael Delgado, Valencia.