The unusual expulsion of Marcelino Núñez for challengingly touching the referee

The South American Qualifiers He had another day of great games. In the Monumental Stadium of Maturín, Venezuela and Chile They faced each other in a direct duel for places in the 2026 World Cup. La Vinotinto beat La Roja 3-0, but they were helped by the unusual expulsion of Marcelino Núñez.

Venezuela and Chile played a great game during the first 45 minutes. In the first half there were chances from side to side that they bothered the archers of the night. However, the team led by Fernando Batista would go to half-time with the victory on the scoreboard thanks to a goal from former Tigres de la UANL soccer player, Yeferson Soteldo.

An unusual expulsion that condemned Chile

Eduardo Berizzo, Chile coach, made his respective modifications to look for an equalizer in the second half. The Argentine strategist saw Chile with the possibility of turning the score around and decided to send Marcelino Núñez to the field.

After 15 minutes on the pitch, Marcelino Núñez committed a strong infraction that would cost him the yellow card by the main judge, Flavio Rodrigues De Souza. The Chilean did not like this action at all and he let him know touching his chest.

The “La Roja” midfielder touched the referee in a challenging manner up to three times and this forced him to take out the second yellow card and his subsequent expulsion.

This action conditioned the commitment. Venezuela had one more player on the field and the advantage on the scoreboard. La Vinotinto asserted its numerical superiority with goals from Salomón Rondón and Darwin Machís.

This victory places Venezuela fourth in the standings with 7 points out of a possible 12. Chile closes the double day in eighth position with 4 units.

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