The stage is set at Estadio Misael Delgado in Valencia for an intense Liga FUTVE 2025 Apertura Semifinals Group B encounter, as Carabobo face off against Deportivo Táchira on May 23, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 01:00 CEST. As both teams look to make a statement in this crucial Venezuelan top-flight clash, attention will turn not only to tactical rigour but also to the psychological resilience required at this advanced competition phase.
Carabobo, guided by coach Diego Merino, have had a mixed journey lately, with one win in their last seven outings, but remain in pursuit of a coveted place in the final. Their 4-3-3 setup provides width and defensive solidity, but recent results underline the need for greater efficiency going forward. Tachira, orchestrated by Edgar Pérez Greco, arrive brimming with confidence, boasting a 100% record thus far in the group and a formidable defensive record to match. The champions-elect have also embraced the 4-3-3, but their dynamic transitions and clinical finishing have set them apart in this campaign.
On the pitch, keep an eye on Carabobo’s creative midfielder Gustavo Gonzalez, whose work rate and passing range will be key against a notoriously compact Tachira side. For Tachira, striker Bryan Castillo has been in scintillating form, netting four goals in his last six appearances — his speed and instinct in the box provide a constant threat on the counterattack. Both players have the capacity to shape the game’s narrative.
Statistically, Tachira’s attacking output stands out: they have notched up eight goals in their last five matches, a testament to their multi-pronged offensive approach. Their ability to unlock defences may prove decisive in such a tight knockout context.
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Carabobo vs Tachira predictions
My best bet: Both Teams To Score (Yes)
With the stakes as high as they are, both sides will strive for offensive efficiency. Carabobo’s recent xG suggests underlying attacking potential, and Tachira’s penchant for finding the net in high-pressure situations is well established. Given both teams’ form — Carabobo struggling to keep clean sheets (one in their last five), and Tachira yet to go a game without conceding in this group — it is reasonable to anticipate both sides leaving their mark on the scoresheet.
Carabobo tend toward a physical approach, averaging 8.8 fouls and two yellow cards per game in their last five, a factor that may both disrupt Tachira’s rhythm and create opportunities from set pieces. Their 53% ball possession average signals a willingness to build patiently, yet their occasional defensive lapses under pressure have been costly. Conversely, Tachira manage a balanced game, combining rigorous pressing (41 interceptions in their last five) with incisive passing (pass accuracy over 83%), but their aggressive style can leave spaces for Carabobo to exploit, particularly in transitions.
- ⚽Total Goals: Over 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: Yes
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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Carabobo vs Tachira Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Carabobo | Tachira |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 8 |
| Total shots | 72 | 124 |
| Free kicks | 27 | 41 |
| Corner kicks | 27 | 41 |
| Total fouls | 44 | 49 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 76% | 83% |
| Interceptions | 50 | 52 |
| Offsides | 9 | 10 |
Head-to-head, Tachira have enjoyed the lion’s share of success, including a 1-0 victory away at Carabobo earlier in this group stage and a resounding 4-1 in the 2024 Clausura final. Carabobo’s challenge has been breaking down Tachira’s organisation, often finding goals hard to come by in these meetings. Nevertheless, the historic draw in October 2024 hints that Carabobo can trouble their visitors, especially with home advantage in a knockout context.
🚨Read our full Carabobo vs Tachira stats for more analysis.

Carabobo. Source: Official Website
Key Stats
- Tachira have scored at least once in every group match this phase
- Carabobo’s only win in their last seven outings came at home (3-1 vs Metropolitanos)
- Bryan Castillo (Tachira) has 4 goals in his last 6 appearances
- Tachira average 24.8 shots per match across their last 5 fixtures (Carabobo: 14.4)
- Combined, these teams average over 16 corners per match in recent meetings
- No red cards between both teams in the last five matches, indicating disciplined, if physical, play
Carabobo vs Tachira score prediction: 1-2
Given recent form and head-to-head outcomes, Tachira are well positioned to claim another narrow win. Expect Bryan Castillo’s sharp finishing and Juan Manuel Requena’s energy in midfield to tilt the balance in Tachira’s favour, despite Carabobo’s home advantage and likely goal from Cristian Cañozales, who has been their most reliable scorer of late.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Carabobo the favourite
- Moneyline Carabobo 2.55 | Tachira 2.89
- Draw 2.88
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.20 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.95 | No 1.85
The odds indicate a marginal preference for Carabobo at home — likely driven by their respectable group showing and historical performance at Estadio Misael Delgado. However, the balance is fine, and bettors are favouring the draw nearly as much as any win. With goals predicted, value lies in both teams to score and over 2.5 markets, especially considering both sides’ attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities.
Carabobo vs Tachira Over/Under Analysis
- 3 of the last 5 head-to-heads finished with over 2.5 goals
- Tachira averaged over 1.5 expected goals per game in this group
- Carabobo’s matches trend higher scoring at home (2.8 gpg average in last 10 home games)
- ‘Over 8.5 corners’ has landed in 5 straight group fixtures involving these teams
Carabobo Preview
Carabobo’s form has sputtered recently — a single win in their last five fixtures raises alarms, particularly when considering their 0-4 humiliation against Universidad de Chile. Their most recent clash against Puerto Cabello ended in a stalemate, despite dominating large periods in possession and chance creation. The 0-1 loss to Tachira in the same group reflects issues breaking down disciplined defences. However, players like Gustavo Gonzalez and Cristian Cañozales remain creative beacons, and if Carabobo can tighten defensively, they remain a threat, especially from set pieces and in transition. Diego Merino’s ability to inspire tactical discipline could be the deciding factor for the hosts.

Carabobo possible starting eleven
- GK: Lucas Bruera
- DF: Leonardo Aponte, Pablo Bonilla, Norman Rodriguez, Marcel Guaramato
- MF: Gustavo Gonzalez, Franner Xavier López Castillo, Carlos Ramos
- FW: Cristian Cañozales, Edson Tortolero, Flabian Londono Bedoya
Tachira Preview
Tachira travel to Valencia buoyed by superior form — four wins from eight matches in the past month, and an undefeated Apertura Semifinals run. Their 1-0 win over Carabobo in the reverse fixture underscored their defensive discipline, but their multi-layered attack, featuring Bryan Castillo and Juan Manuel Requena, has grabbed the headlines. Their previous 2-1 victory against Puerto Cabello and a 3-2 thriller against LDU Quito highlight a team unafraid to attack. The challenge for Edgar Pérez Greco’s men will be to balance offensive risk against Carabobo’s threat on the break, but experience and tactical flexibility make them rightful favourites to progress.

Tachira possible starting eleven
- GK: Alejandro Araque
- DF: Nelson Hernandez, Mauro Maidana, Roberto Rosales, Carlos Vivas
- MF: Maurice Cova, Juan Manuel Requena, Leandro Fioravanti
- FW: Bryan Castillo, Lucas Cano, Daniel Saggiomo

Tachira. Source: Official Website
Our prediction: Who Wins?
As the TipsGG team, our main pick is a 2-1 win for Tachira. Their attacking depth, form, and big-game experience place them just ahead of Carabobo, despite the hosts’ competitive spirit. The probability given by our dedicated AI prediction engine rates it as: 37% win for Tachira, 36% for Carabobo, and 27% for a draw. Expect a high-tempo match with moments of tactical caution, but ultimately Tachira’s clinical edge should prove decisive.
How to watch Carabobo vs Tachira
When? May 23, 2025, kickoff at 01:00 CEST
Where? Estadio Misael Delgado, Valencia
How to watch: Coverage provided locally via TVES and streaming via Liga FUTVE official digital platforms
Favorite: Carabobo
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