The Zulia Chronicle
Match12 Aug 2026
Zulia march on in the cup
Estudiantes de Merida are out and Zulia go through, 0‑0 the final word. The bracket opens up a little, and everyone allows themselves a look at it.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Roberto Rosales is the hero from the spot
A shoot-out is remembered by its ending, and this one ends with Roberto Rosales: 1 kept out, and a set of supporters who will describe every one of them for the next twenty years.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Diego Cordova could not have asked for more on his first appearance — 7.49
Debuts are survived rather than enjoyed. This one was enjoyed: 7.49, 0 goals, and a manager already being asked whether he starts again next week.
Match15 Aug 2026
4 matches without a win for Zulia
The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Zulia are no longer polite ones.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Zulia
José Graterol was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Match15 Aug 2026
Zulia cannot find the net
3 games without scoring. Strikers stop looking up, midfielders take the extra touch, and every shot that clears the bar is followed by a groan that has been building since the last goal.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Jose Machis runs at them all day
Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Jose Machis gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
A defender's afternoon for Héctor Bello
Defensive actions: 17. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.
In brief
- Squad David Herrera signs on for more
- Player ratings A defender's afternoon for José Graterol
- Match Point won or two lost for Zulia?