Academia Anzoategui 0-0 Maritimo de La Guaira
Venezuela Cup – First Round, July 9, 2026 – Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui, Puerto La Cruz

Match Summary

Academia Anzoategui and Maritimo de La Guaira played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Venezuela Cup first‑round tie. The result leaves everything to play for in the return fixture, with neither side able to find a breakthrough on a warm evening in Puerto La Cruz.

The match was a cautious affair, typical of early‑round cup competition, as both teams prioritised defensive solidity over attacking adventure. Academia enjoyed more possession but could not convert it into clear chances, while Maritimo looked dangerous on the counter‑attack.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Maritimo’s midfielder Carlos Mendez unleashed a long‑range effort that forced a diving save from Academia goalkeeper Jose Hernandez.
• 33rd minute: Academia winger Andres Rojas cut inside and shot from the edge of the box, but the ball deflected narrowly wide off a defender.
• 71st minute: The best chance of the night fell to Academia substitute Luis Vegas, who headed over the bar from a corner when unmarked at the far post.

Tactical Battle

Academia Anzoategui set up in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, aiming to control the midfield through Gabriel Silva and Diego Rivas. Maritimo de La Guaira responded with a 4‑5‑1 that often became a 4‑1‑4‑1, crowding the central areas. The away side’s discipline frustrated Academia, who struggled to break down a well‑organized low block.

Maritimo’s wingers, Jorge Patino and Hector Zambrano, carried the main threat with pace on the break, but final‑ball quality let them down. Academia’s full‑backs also kept the visitors’ wide players relatively quiet.

Standout Performers

Jose Hernandez (Academia Anzoategui) – The home keeper made two important saves, including a sharp stop from Mendez’s early drive.
Carlos Mendez (Maritimo de La Guaira) – The midfielder was lively in the first half and provided Maritimo’s only real spark in attack.
Central defender Alejandro Campos (Academia) – Dominated aerial duels and organised the backline effectively.

Cup Context

This goalless draw sets up a tense second leg at Maritimo’s home ground in La Guaira later this month. Away goals rule applies, meaning Academia will need to score in the return leg if they are to progress. Both teams will feel they can still advance, but the onus will be on Maritimo to be more adventurous on home soil.