On Thursday, the Venezuelan team Rayo Zuliano defeated Deportivo La Guaira in a penalty shootout, securing their spot in the group stage of the Copa Sudamericana. This comes after Metropolitanos also secured qualification for a Venezuelan team on Tuesday.

Following a goalless draw in regular time, which was dominated by La Guaira, both teams went to a penalty shootout. The shootout was ultimately decided by a save from Daniel Valdés, giving the advantage to the orange team, and a missed shot by Yonser Parra, sealing the victory for the Zulians.

The qualified teams erupted in joy upon confirming that, one year after making their debut in the Venezuelan top-flight football, they will be playing in a regional tournament with the group stage featuring 32 teams.

The match on Thursday, held at the Brígido Iriarte stadium in Caracas, was the first encounter between the two clubs since July of last year when a goal from Rafael Arace gave La Guaira a 0-1 victory.

Elvis Martínez's team, officiated by Bolivian referee Gery Vargas Carreño, displayed a superiority that they have struggled to materialize in the Venezuelan tournament so far.

Last week, Rayo Zuliano, celebrating its 17th anniversary this Tuesday, suffered a 3-1 defeat to the current league leaders, Puerto Cabello, and currently sits in twelfth place with just four points.