In a match marked by heavy rain and penalty kicks, Universidad de Chile managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Carabobo FC on Tuesday at the Polideportivo Misael Delgado Stadium in Valencia, Venezuela. The result allows the Chilean side to stay at the top of Group A in the Copa Libertadores, while the Venezuelans remain winless in the group stage.

Universidad de Chile came, visited, and tied with Carabobo

Despite the poor weather conditions, which caused the game to be delayed by an hour, the team led by Argentine coach Gustavo Álvarez took control from the opening whistle. Dominating possession and pushing forward in attack, the visitors seemed closer to scoring first, but it was the home team who struck early.

A foul inside the box committed by Franco Calderón, who was also shown a yellow card, gave Carabobo a chance to take the lead. Venezuelan midfielder Edson Tortolero made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball into the top corner in the 22nd minute and sparking celebration among the home fans.

However, the joy was short-lived. Universidad de Chile’s relentless pressure paid off in the 43rd minute when referee Carlos Ortega of Colombia awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball in the box. Veteran midfielder Charles Aránguiz stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Lucas Bruera with a low shot to equalize the score.

The second half saw chances at both ends, but neither side could find the winning goal. Universidad de Chile largely controlled the tempo after the break but couldn’t convert their opportunities, while Carabobo tried to capitalize on counterattacks but lacked accuracy in the final third.

With this result, Universidad de Chile moves to seven points and remains at the top of Group A. Carabobo, meanwhile, now sits at the bottom with just one point. The group’s other matchup will see Estudiantes de La Plata take on Botafogo, both sitting on three points, this Wednesday in Argentina.