The match between Estudiantes de Mérida FC and Academia Puerto Cabello was a thrilling encounter, marked by a notable tactical display from the away team. Despite the relatively even distribution of corners, with Estudiantes tallying up 8 and Puerto Cabello close behind with 7, it was the away team's efficiency in front of goal that proved decisive. Puerto Cabello secured a 3-1 victory, with three well-timed goals, demonstrating their clinical finishing and composure under pressure.

Statistical analysis reveals that Puerto Cabello's early goal at 39:51 in the first half set the tone, allowing them to dictate play and exploit defensive gaps. The home team's defensive frailties were further exposed in the second half when Puerto Cabello netted their second and third goals at 49:11 and 76:01, respectively. Estudiantes de Mérida managed to pull one back at 86:24, but it was too little, too late. The home team’s inability to convert their 8 corner opportunities into goals underlines their struggles in the final third.

The game also highlighted a significant discrepancy in discipline, with Puerto Cabello committing 19 fouls compared to Estudiantes' 12. Both teams received an equal number of yellow cards (three each), but Puerto Cabello's more aggressive playstyle paid dividends as the match progressed. The equal offsides count (two each) indicates both teams attempted to stretch the play, yet Puerto Cabello's superior execution in getting behind the defensive lines was evident in their goal tally.

An essential factor in Puerto Cabello's success was their ability to maintain resilience under pressure and capitalize on their scoring chances. Their goalkeeper, though not mentioned explicitly in the data, likely played a crucial role in handling Estudiantes’ on-target shots. Estudiantes, despite having a slight edge in corner opportunities, could not capitalize due to solid defensive organization and perhaps stellar goalkeeping from Puerto Cabello.

In conclusion, Academia Puerto Cabello's clinical finishing, coupled with their resilient defensive performance and strategic fouling, allowed them to control the game's tempo and emerge victorious. Estudiantes de Mérida's inefficacy in capitalizing on set-pieces and defensive lapses at crucial moments significantly impacted their chances of securing a favorable result.

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