Traveling from the Arab world, the visitors arrive in Venezuela with a clear objective: secure a victory that would tighten the chase on San Lorenzo, who sit in second place in the standings, and narrow the gap to Fortaleza, the team enjoying an immaculate run in Zone H. The urgency is evident as another pivotal group-stage match looms, with every point carrying weight in the race to advance for both sides involved.
On Thursday the 25th, the Palestinian squad is set to join Merida in what marks the fourth round of Copa Sudamericana group-stage action for 2023. The contest promises a tactical duel, with the guests hoping to translate a strong recent form into a result capable of shifting balance within this competitive pool. Their approach emphasizes compact defense paired with rapid transitions to test the hosts and their backline under pressure.
Under the guidance of coach Pablo Sánchez, the Arab team seeks to maximize the significance of this trip to Venezuela. The plan is to collect three points away from home, a result that would tighten the chase behind the leaders and boost confidence for the remaining fixtures of the campaign. The scenario adds another layer of intensity to a group where every goal and every save could reshape the season’s trajectory for both teams in the field of play.
The hosts, commonly known as the Baisanos, arrive aiming to rebound after a tense draw against Ciclón. The match featured a red card for Federico Gatonni in the 73rd minute, leaving his side with ten men. Despite the setback, the home team has shown solid form in recent league action, drawing four matches in a row and stabilizing their campaign. Notably, they have also demonstrated resilience away from home, maintaining a commendable streak of keeping goals conceded in road fixtures throughout the tournament. This form provides them with confidence that they can withstand pressure and create opportunities at home against a formidable opponent from a higher rung on the continental ladder.
On the other side, the Academician team endured a heavy setback in a recent CONMEBOL encounter, suffering a resounding 6-1 defeat at Castelão. The result left them with zero points at the bottom of the group, marking one of the most lopsided defeats by a Brazilian side in their continental adventures. The reversal serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties the team faces when facing some of South America’s strongest squads, while also underscoring the need for a quick rebound to keep hopes alive in the competition.
Historical context adds depth: in the second matchday, the Arab side seized an early advantage with a decisive solo strike from Mishael Davila, tipping the balance in favor of Chilean clubs facing Venezuelan outfits. Since then, Chilean teams have enjoyed a favorable run in this cross-border contest, recording several wins across the region. Yet the Tricolor do Pici managed to flip the script, securing home victories again after a stretch of two losses, reminding everyone that in this tournament nothing is settled until the final whistle. The upcoming clash offers both sides a chance to reset, reaffirm identity, and steer the narrative back toward a positive thread in this demanding group-stage run.
Fans in Canada and the United States can follow the match live via DirecTV Sports on a channel range from 610 to 619, with streaming options available through the DGO platform. DGO acts as a centralized hub where viewers can access a broad lineup of content including live sports, films, series, and children’s programs, among other offerings. Access requires a DIRECTV subscription with an active MiDIRECTV account. The match will also be accessible via the streaming app on Android and iOS devices or through a web browser, allowing fans to tune in across multiple devices. As the competition unfolds, spectators will be watching closely to see which team gains traction in Zone H and how the results shape the rest of the group stage. The fixture represents more than a three-point return; it embodies momentum, strategy, and the continued pursuit of continental glory for teams from two continents.
Source: Goal