Deportivo Metropolitano and Academia Anzoategui played out a 1-1 draw in the Venezuela Cup on 23 October 2026, a result that left the Copa Venezuela tie finely balanced after an absorbing contest. Metropolitano struck first through Carlos Rivas, but Academia Anzoategui responded after the break with a header from José Velásquez, and neither side could find a winner in a frantic closing spell.

Match overview

Played at the Estadio Olímpico de la UCV in Caracas, the match pitted Metropolitano’s patient build-up against Anzoategui’s compact, counter-attacking approach. The home side enjoyed the better of the early possession and looked to work the ball into wide areas, while Anzoategui sat in a disciplined mid-block and looked to spring forward through quick transitions. The opening goal arrived in the 27th minute when Rivas latched onto a loose ball just outside the penalty area and drove a low finish into the bottom corner. Anzoategui grew into the game after the interval and equalised on 61 minutes when Velásquez met a corner with a powerful header. The closing stages opened up, with both goalkeepers called into action, but the scoreline remained level.

Key moments

• 27th minute: Carlos Rivas gives Deportivo Metropolitano the lead with a low strike from the edge of the box.
• 39th minute: Anzoategui’s first clear chance, a curling effort from outside the area, is pushed wide by the Metropolitano goalkeeper.
• 61st minute: José Velásquez equalises for Academia Anzoategui with a header from a corner.
• 78th minute: Anzoategui have a goal ruled out for offside after a quick break, keeping the score at 1-1.
• 90+2 minutes: Metropolitano’s late free-kick clips the top of the crossbar as the home side push for a winner.

Tactical story

Metropolitano’s 4-2-3-1 shape gave them control in central areas, with the full-backs pushing high to create overloads. That approach produced the opener but also left space behind for Anzoategui’s wingers on the counter. Anzoategui’s 4-4-2 block became more aggressive after half-time, and their equaliser came from a set piece — a reminder of their aerial threat. As the game stretched, both teams traded possession in midfield, but neither could sustain enough pressure to force a second goal. The draw was a fair reflection of a contest in which both sides had spells of authority.

Standout performers

Rivas was Metropolitano’s most dangerous outlet, combining sharp movement with a composed finish. Velásquez drove Anzoategui forward from midfield and capped his performance with the equalising goal. Metropolitano goalkeeper Andrés Palacios made two important saves, while Anzoategui defender Yohan Cedeño produced a series of timely clearances as the home side pressed late.

What the draw means

The 1-1 result keeps the Venezuela Cup tie delicately poised and leaves both camps with mixed emotions. Metropolitano will feel they did enough to win it, especially after hitting the woodwork late, while Anzoategui will take encouragement from their response after falling behind. In a competition where margins are often decided by set pieces and moments of individual quality, the draw underlines how little separates the sides. Both teams now turn their attention to the next fixture, with the Copa Venezuela result leaving the tie wide open and both camps eager to build on promising spells.