Venegas helps Cartaginés climb to joint-top with 1–0 win over Pérez Zeledón
Johan Venegas and Club Sport Cartaginés returned to winning ways on Sunday, grinding out a 1–0 victory over Municipal Pérez Zeledón at the Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza. The veteran forward started and helped guide his team to a crucial three points, a result that moves the Brumosos level on points with Herediano at the top of the Clausura standings.
Match recap
Coming off a tough week where they stumbled against Sporting FC, Cartaginés needed a response to keep pace in the title race. The match was a tight, tactical affair, with Pérez Zeledón setting up to frustrate the hosts.
The breakthrough finally came for Cartaginés, who managed to find the solitary goal needed to secure the win. The victory was described by local media as “correcting the course,” as the team didn’t produce their most brilliant attacking display but showed the grit required to grind out results. The 1–0 win breaks a mini-slump and catapults them to 13 points, tied with league-leaders Herediano after six matches.
Venegas’s performance
Johan Venegas was named in the starting lineup, continuing his role as the focal point of the Cartaginés attack.
- The shift: Venegas started the match and provided the veteran leadership needed in a tense, low-scoring game.
- The context: With the team needing a win to stay in the hunt for first place, Venegas’s experience was vital in breaking down a stubborn Pérez Zeledón defense that had drawn four of its first five games.
- Impact: While it wasn’t a goal-fest, his presence helped occupy defenders and open space, allowing Cartaginés to control the tempo and eventually find the winner.
Stats (via Google Sports)
- Match result: CS Cartaginés 1–0 Municipal Pérez Zeledón
- Venegas: Starter
- League Position: 2nd (Tied for 1st with 13 points)
Up next
Cartaginés will look to take sole possession of first place when they face a massive test next week. They travel to face rivals Herediano on Sunday, Feb. 15, in a battle between the league’s top two teams. Venegas will be key in what promises to be a pivotal clash for the Clausura leadership.
