La Guaira, Carabobo, Monagas, and Táchira Advance to Clausura Finals

The Venezuelan Clausura has its first confirmed semifinalists, as reported by EFE. Deportivo La Guaira, Carabobo, Monagas, and Táchira have secured their spots in the final stage after the 10th round of the regular season. With three matchdays left, four spots are still available among six teams.

Despite losing to Puerto Cabello, La Guaira, the league leaders, had already qualified. Carabobo won against Caracas to stay in the top ranks. Monagas beat Universidad Central de Venezuela 2-0, while Táchira, despite a loss to Portuguesa, also secured their place in the next phase.

The competition is tight below them. Caracas is in fifth place with 17 points, followed closely by Zamora with 16. Puerto Cabello has 14 points, and UCV sits at 11. Several teams, including Estudiantes, Rayo Zuliano, Anzoátegui, Metropolitanos, Portuguesa, and Yaracuyanos, are still in the running.

As in the Apertura, the top eight teams qualify for the quadrangular stage, which will consist of two groups playing home-and-away matches. The group winners will move on to the Clausura final.

This season has an interesting twist: if UCV, the reigning Apertura champions, wins the Clausura trophy as well, they will be declared overall champions. If not, the winners of both the Apertura and Clausura will compete for the league title.

With four clubs already qualified and a tight race for the remaining spots, the Clausura is set for an exciting and critical finish.