Venezuela delivered a commanding victory over Chile, a 3-0 result that highlighted the caliber of its performance and the influence of two high-profile players who shaped the match from start to finish.
On the fourth matchday of the 2026 South American Qualifiers, La Vinotinto claimed a decisive win at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín, moving them into third place in the overall standings. The atmosphere was electric as Venezuela asserted control and demonstrated a clear continental intent about the road to the next FIFA World Cup cycle.
As the game unfolded, the balance of power tilted decisively in favor of Venezuela. A momentary lapse in defense by Chile offered an opening that Yeferson Soteldo exploited with his customary speed and close control. The opening came not by luck but through a precise, quick sequence of passes that began with a misread by Paulo Díaz, who attempted a decisive exit pass. The ball found its way to José Martínez, and from there Soteldo formed the key creative thread that stitched the first goal into existence, lifting the stadium with a surge of excitement that carried into the next phase of the match.
Later, with Chile forced to chase the game, the tempo remained relentless. When Marcelino Núñez received a red card, reducing the visitors to ten men, Soteldo seized the moment once more. His dribbling path cut through the defense and set up Salomón Rondón for a clinical finish. Rondón, a veteran center forward, added yet another chapter to his growing tally in the qualifiers by converting that chance, following up a previous successful penalty against Paraguay. The double act from Soteldo and Rondón captured the imagination of fans and underscored the potency of Venezuela’s attacking options.
Venezuela extended the lead to two when Rondón himself finished a flowing move after a burst of pace and a clever buildup by Soteldo. The sequence showcased the synergy between the two crucial attackers and highlighted how Venezuela was turning pressure into clear, meaningful chances. The celebration that followed reflected the team’s belief that upon controlling the game, they could press with tempo and precision, leaving Chile with limited opportunities to respond.
Social media and broadcasters captured the moment when Venezuela extended the advantage through a second goal, illustrating the hombres de peso on the field and the tactical discipline of the home side. A brief clip circulated showing the second tallied strike, accompanied by post-match discussions about the quality of Venezuela’s build-up play and the efficiency with which the team closed out episodes of danger near their own goal. The broadcast clip, shared by sports outlets, underscored the moment the match tilted decisively in Venezuela’s favor.
Shortly after, Darwin Machís added the final tally, sealing an emphatic victory that reinforced Venezuela’s status as a rising force in the region. Machís’s contribution capped a standout performance on the night, one in which the hosts demonstrated depth in attack and an ability to convert chances into goals with clinical accuracy. This result followed a notable draw with Brazil in Cuiabá, demonstrating that Venezuela can compete with the continent’s strongest sides on multiple fronts.
Looking at the broader landscape, Venezuela’s win reflects a team that is building consistency and confidence in its system. The midfieldwork and pressing intensity disrupted Chile’s attempts to establish a rhythm, while the forwards remained dangerous throughout the 90 minutes. It is a performance that signals the potential for the Vinotinto to continue climbing the standings as the qualifying campaign progresses, with their core duo providing both leadership and finish in critical moments.
In the broader schedule of the qualifiers, the result adds to a narrative of resilience and upward momentum for Venezuela. The victory not only reinforced their standing but also sent a message to other teams in the group that the home city and stadium environment can be leveraged to secure valuable points. The players demonstrated a blend of experience and youthful energy that could prove pivotal in future matches as the campaign unfolds.
Overall, the night at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín will be remembered for the strategic execution, the individual brilliance of Soteldo, and the decisive contribution from Rondón and Machís. The victory is a reminder that Venezuela possesses a skilled forward line and a growing sense of collective purpose that could propel them deeper into the qualifiers as the season advances.
Note: The performance aligns with Venezuela’s gradual return to form and its entry into conversations about the region’s competitive pecking order for the World Cup cycle ahead.