Venezuela enjoyed a satisfying comeback victory on Saturday, defeating Ecuador 2-1 in the first Group B match of the Copa América, held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. This victory secured the Vinotinto their first three points in the group.

Ecuador's forward Jeremy Sarmiento, who turned 22 on June 16, initially put his team ahead. However, Ecuador was reduced to ten men in the 22nd minute when Enner Valencia was sent off following a dangerous play. The Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán upgraded Valencia's yellow card to a red after consulting the VAR.

Despite Venezuela's persistent efforts, Ecuador, under the guidance of Spanish coach Felix Sánchez, managed to take the lead with Sarmiento's goal inside the box in the 38th minute.

In the second half, Venezuela's aggressive and direct play paid off. Substitutes Jhonder Cádiz (64th minute) and Eduard Bello (74th minute) scored to seal the victory for Fernando Batista's team.