Venezuela will maintain representation in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. On 18 August, Fluminense defeated Independiente Rivadavia 4-5 on penalties and secured qualification to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Yeferson Soteldo played 82 minutes of the match, although Jefferson Savarino did not participate due to calf problems. In the 75th minute, with Fluminense down to ten men following a red card, Colombian winger Kevin Serna scored the goal that gave the Brazilian team the lead. Serna took advantage of a pass from Hulk to finish one-on-one against the opposing goalkeeper. Soteldo was substituted seven minutes later.
Independiente Rivadavia equalised in extra time after converting a penalty with a goal from Alex Arce. In the penalty shootout, 45-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio proved decisive, saving shots from José Florentín and Rodrigo Atencio. Luciano Acosta missed his attempt for the Brazilians.
According to Sofascore data, Soteldo completed 22 of 24 passes, reaching 92 per cent accuracy, and completed three of four dribbles. He also provided a key pass that resulted in a shot on goal.
In another result from 18 August, Deportes Tolima lost 1-0 to Independiente del Valle. Yordan Osorio was called up but did not see action. The Colombian team will travel to Ecuador on 25 August to play the second leg at 8:30 p.m. Venezuelan time. Botafogo defender Nahuel Ferraresi also remains in contention after his side's 6-1 defeat to Peru's Cienciano, with the replay scheduled for Thursday 20 August at the same time.
