Monagas beat Defensor Sporting 2-0 on Tuesday (4) at the Monumental Stadium of Maturín, Venezuela, in a game valid for the first phase of the 2025 Pre-Libertadores.
The score remained unchanged for most of the game, with both teams creating opportunities, but unable to convert. The situation changed 33 minutes into the second half when Tomás Rodríguez opened the scoring for Monagas after a beautiful move started by Edanyilber Navas. The goal that sacracted the victory came in the 45th minute, with a great goal charged by Róger Manrique, who hit the angle of the Uruguayan goalkeeper.
Statistics of the match show a balanced game in many ways. Monagas finished more often (18 against 13 of the defender), but both teams hit the same number of kicks on the target (4). Possession of the ball hung to the Uruguayan side, which controlled 61% of the shares. However, the Venezuelan team was more efficient in the opportunities created, especially in the second half.
With this result, Monagas takes an important advantage for the return game in Uruguay. The Venezuelan team will have a chance to confirm their classification for the next phase of, while Defensor Sporting will need a three -goal win to reverse the situation at home.
