01 Jun 2009
By Carlos Mauricio Ramirez, Caracas FC Press  

There is no tomorrow. Decision day is today with Caracas FC going for their 10th national league title in the second leg against Deportivo Italia at the Olympic Stadium in the capital following a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the Grand Final.

And this hot on the heels of the Reds midweek 1-1 tie against Gremio of Brazil in the Copa Santander Libertadores quarterfinal first leg.

Following two local championships – the Apertura and the Clausura – along with miles and miles of travelling and many more minutes on the pitch to take part in the Copa Santander Libertadores, for Caracas FC everything hinges on this afternoon’s clash against the Blues of Deportivo Italia managed by Eduardo Saragó.   

In recent games against the Blues it is true that Caracas have struggled but it is also true to say that they could not be playing them at a better time. The Reds have had a dream six months since the Clausura tournament began and have gone further in the Libertadores than at any time in their history with the semi-final still beckoning.  

Winning the Clausura tourney on the last day of the season has given manager Noel Sanvicente’s side a firm belief in themselves.

The 1-1 draw a week ago against Italia with Caracas acting as home club means the Reds have to go out and look for a positive result from the start. That is not something new for the team who have proved they are willing to do that whatever the state of play or the state of the pitch.

Victory will give the championship to the Reds. A draw superior to 1-1 will also give them a much-coveted 10th league championship.