Rayo Zuliano passed the Sudamericana groups on penalties

 

In its historic first international foray, Rayo Zuliano emerged victorious by winning an exciting penalty shootout against Deportivo La Guaira, thus securing its position as the second Venezuelan representative in the groups of the prestigious Copa Sudamericana 2024.

The scene of this memorable contest was the Brígido Iriarte stadium, which, although it did not stand out for its dazzling display, witnessed a tactical and strategic confrontation between both squads. The final score, a goalless draw, reflected the parity of forces during regulation time, which forced the winner to be determined from the penalty spot.

In this crucial phase, Rayo Zuliano showed mettle and efficiency by converting four of their shots, while their opponent, Deportivo La Guaira, was limited to two hits. This result consolidated the qualification of the Zulian team to the next round of the South American tournament, marking a milestone in its international participation and enriching the panorama of Venezuelan soccer in the Copa Sudamericana.

During the first half of the match, arrivals were scarce, creating an atmosphere of caution on the field of play. However, the dynamics of the match changed in the second half, where Deportivo La Guaira intensified its offensive presence in search of piercing the solid resistance of Rayo Zuliano, who acted as the home team in this match. Despite the efforts of the visiting team, Rayo Zuliano's defense remained firm, securing the goal and forcing the penalty shootout that would finally grant them victory.

This triumph not only consolidates Rayo Zuliano's position as a worthy representative of Venezuelan football on the international scene, but also predicts an exciting participation in the groups of the Copa Sudamericana 2024, where they will face new challenges and opportunities to leave an even greater mark. deep in the continental tournament.

In a penalty shootout full of emotions and heroic deeds, Rayo Zuliano once again demonstrated its quality by hitting each of its four shots from the penalty spot, consolidating its advance in the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. Goalkeeper Daniel Valdés He emerged as the impenetrable guardian, masterfully stopping the shot of Paraguayan Tobías Castellano, while misfortune allied himself with Yonser Parra, whose shot hit the post, thus sealing the victory of the Marabino team in this phase of the international competition.

This triumph, which marked Rayo Zuliano's debut in international tournaments, not only underlines the technical quality and composure of the players in crucial moments, but also consolidates their position as a respected contender on the South American football scene. The feat of qualifying for the group stage of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana represents a significant achievement for the team, especially considering that this is their second year in the first division.

In the match played at the Brígido Iriarte stadium, Rayo Zuliano presented a solid and cohesive lineup, with outstanding figures such as Daniel Valdés, Ángel Faría, and Heiderber Ramírez, who played key roles in both the regular phase and the penalty shootout. Technical director Elvis Martínez, with his strategy and leadership, guided the team to this historic victory.

The Rayo Zuliano squad, made up of names like Andrusw Araujo, Armando Araque, and Kenin Montiel, among others, has made it clear that they not only have the ability to compete at the national level, but also to face international challenges with determination and skill. This achievement opens the doors to an exciting journey in the group stage of the Sudamericana, where the Marabino team will share the stage with other prominent clubs on the continent.

The wait to find out Rayo Zuliano's rivals in the group stage will come to an end on March 18, the date on which the draw for the 2024 Copa Sudamericana will take place. Meanwhile, the Rayo Zuliano fans celebrate with enthusiasm this milestone in his young but promising international career.