Mérida, Yuc., October 18, 2024 – The Venados de Mérida delivered a dominant performance, sealing the fate of Dorados de Sinaloa with a resounding 4-0 victory, eliminating the Culiacán squad from the Apertura 2024 Liga de Expansión MX. Despite coming off a win against Tlaxcala, the Dorados couldn’t maintain their momentum, leaving fans and head coach Sebastián “El Loco” Abreu frustrated.
Venados Dominate from the Start
From the opening whistle, Venados made their intentions clear, pressing hard and controlling the pace. Their efforts paid off in the 24th minute when Luis Calzadillas struck with precision to put Mérida ahead, leaving Dorados reeling. The first goal was a cold shock for the Sinaloan side, which failed to respond with the energy expected in such a critical match.
Second-Half Barrage
The second half belonged to Venados’ Stiven Plaza, who netted a quick-fire double, scoring in the 52nd and 55th minutes. Plaza, the former Mazatlán FC player, showcased his talent, dismantling the Dorados defense and all but ending their hopes. With a commanding 3-0 lead, the Venados could already taste victory.
But they weren’t done. In the dying moments of the match, Nequecaur added the final blow with a well-taken goal in the 89th minute, bringing the score to 4-0 and driving the final nail into the Dorados’ coffin. For Dorados de Sinaloa, who now sit at a mere nine points, this defeat marked a bitter end to a disappointing Apertura campaign.
A Harsh Reality for Dorados
Despite showing flashes of promise earlier in the tournament, Dorados were unable to capitalize on their previous victory against Tlaxcala. Under Abreu’s leadership, there were hopes of pushing for a playoff spot, but this loss underscores the inconsistency that has plagued the team all season. Dorados’ defensive lapses and lack of offensive power were evident, especially against a Venados team firing on all cylinders.
What’s Next for Venados?
For Venados de Mérida, this commanding win not only boosts their confidence but strengthens their position in the standings as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs. The performance of players like Plaza and Calzadillas signals that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the final stretch of the tournament. With momentum on their side, the Venados’ faithful have every reason to believe in their team’s potential for further success.
Final Thoughts
This 4-0 triumph over Dorados was a statement win for Venados. They’ve shown they are a team to watch in the Apertura 2024 as they prepare for a potential playoff run. As for Dorados, it’s back to the drawing board, with serious questions looming about their future under Abreu’s leadership.
The fate of both teams could not be more different, with Venados surging forward and Dorados left to reflect on what could have been.
