15 May 2009
By Caracas FC Press

Another game, another huge 90 minutes for Caracas FC.  

The Avila Reds will go for their 10th national league title on Sunday when they visit Zamora FC in Barinas in the last round of the Clausura tournament, trailing league leaders Deportivo Tachira by just a point.

Following their historic midweek drubbing of Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador which saw the Reds reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Santander Libertadores for the first time ever in their history, it’s back to the bread and butter yet equally important league championship race.

The Reds go up against a side having a tremendous season with 16 matches won in the combined Apertura and Clausura tourneys. Zamora in fact have done so well they are likely to get a Copa Suramericana berth for their efforts.  

Caracas, meanwhile, not only need to win but will be hoping Estudiantes de Merida can silence the Pueblo Nuevo crowd in San Cristobal and defeat reigning champions Deportivo Tachira to give their own title hopes the best possible chance.

It’s difficult to imagine a more exciting and nail-biting end to the Clausura tournament but such is the rivalry and intense competition these days in the Venezuelan league that nothing can be taken for granted. Three points have to be won and are never given away.

Kick off on Sunday in Barinas is at 4pm with Caracas FC manager Noel Sanvicente expected to send a full-strength squad into battle.

Meanwhile, the South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, have announced possible dates for the Reds Copa Santander Libertadores quarterfinal against Brazilian side Gremio of Porto Alegre.

Caracas are expected to be at home at the UCV’s Olympic Stadium on either Tuesday, May 26, Wednesday, May 27 or Thursday, May 28 and will visit Brazil on June 16 or 17 or 18. Dates and times still to be confirmed.