Venezuela Cup – Match Report: Marítimo de La Guaira vs. Academia Anzoátegui (0–0)

No goals but plenty of endeavour marked the first leg of the Venezuela Cup round‑of‑16 tie between Marítimo de La Guaira and Academia Anzoátegui on 29 June 2026. Played at the Estadio Olímpico de La Guaira, the deadlock leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return match in Anzoátegui.

Match Overview

Competition: Copa Venezuela – Round of 16, First Leg
Date: 29 June 2026 – 04:00 (local time)
Venue: Estadio Olímpico de La Guaira, La Guaira
Attendance: 1,200

Marítimo, buoyed by home support, started on the front foot. Their lively midfield trio of Yeferson Velasco, Luisana Araujo, and José Tovar dictated possession early. However, Academia Anzoátegui, known for their strong defensive organisation, sat deep and invited pressure. The first half ended with only a couple of half‑chances, the most notable being Marítimo striker Rafael Blanco’s scuffed shot that rolled harmlessly wide.

Second‑Half Drama Without Goals

The second period followed a similar pattern. Marítimo pushed forward but lacked precision in the final third. Their best opportunity came on 68 minutes when a cross from right‑back Andrés Meléndez found Blanco unmarked at the far post, but his header was brilliantly tipped over by Anzoátegui goalkeeper Jhonatan Rojas. Academia, for their part, threatened sporadically on the counter. Substitute forward Carlos Quintero nearly caught Marítimo’s defence napping in the 82nd minute, but his shot from the edge of the box was saved by home keeper Armando Correa.

Key Moments

• 23' – Marítimo’s Yeferson Velasco fired a long‑range effort that Rojas parried away.
• 68' – Rafael Blanco’s header forced a world‑class save from Rojas.
• 73' – Anzoátegui’s best chance: a quick free‑kick released left‑wing Adrián Peña, but his cross flashed across the face of goal.
• 89' – A late Marítimo corner led to a scramble; Anzoátegui cleared off the line through defender David Herrera.

Player of the Match

Academia Anzoátegui’s goalkeeper Jhonatan Rojas earned his side a valuable clean sheet with five saves, including that spectacular stop from Blanco. His composure under pressure was crucial in a match where Marítimo created more chances.

Tie Outlook

The second leg, scheduled for 13 July 2026 at the Estadio Ricardo Tulio Maya in Anzoátegui, will be a different challenge. Marítimo need a win in normal time to advance, since an 0‑0 draw would take the tie to extra time, and an away goal conceded would force them to score twice. Academia, with home advantage and no away goal conceded, will fancy their chances of progressing.

Both clubs have cup pedigree. Marítimo won the Copa Venezuela in 2020, while Academia Anzoátegui are seeking their first major trophy. The stage is set for a tense decider on Venezuelan soil.