Bolívar Thrashes Oriente Petrolero to Claim Clausura Championship Title
Bolívar secured the Clausura tournament title with an impressive 4-1 victory over Oriente Petrolero, solidifying their dominance as they prepare for the Grand Final.
On December 18, 2024, at the Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium in Santa Cruz, Bolívar showcased their prowess, powered by Fabio Gomes’ remarkable hat-trick. Gomes lit up the match with goals at the 9th, 55th, and 60th minutes, helping his side clinch the coveted championship title. Jhon Velásquez added to the scoreline with another goal at the 74th minute, capping off the victory. Gilbert Álvarez scored for Oriente at the start of the second half, but this was not enough to threaten Bolívar’s commanding lead.
With the win, Bolívar amassed 64 points, comfortably positioning themselves at the top of the Clausura standings, leaving The Strongest trailing with 60 points. Their triumph not only marked the ending of this championship but also secured their place as Bolivia 2 for the Copa Libertadores, facilitating their direct entry to the group stage of the prestigious tournament.
Despite having already secured their status within the tournament, Bolívar needed this win to claim the top spot without waiting for the final round. Orient Petrolero, meanwhile, came to this match burdened by financial troubles but managed to deliver spirited gameplay, demonstrating resilience against the title holders.
Initially, Oriente Petrolero seemed poised to challenge Bolívar, controlling the match's early moments, showing aggressive intent but marred by their inability to convert chances. Álvarez played the role of the primary threat, weaving through the defense and attempting multiple shots.
The match took a decisive turn when Gomes, with smart positioning, netted the opener, taking full advantage of Yomar Rocha's excellent setup. Following Bolívar’s goal, Oriente Petrolero ramped up their efforts to equalize, enjoying brief spells of attacking advantage.
Just after the halftime break, Oriente managed to draw level when Álvarez capitalized on a defensive error by Bolívar goalkeeper Rubén Cordano, nudging the ball home (46 minutes). With momentum swinging toward them, Oriente launched several attempts, but their efforts yielded no rewards, allowing Bolívar to exploit their growing frustration.
Gomes struck again shortly after, producing two goals within five minutes, one from Carlos Melgar’s pass and another following a decisive steal from the defender. Velásquez rounded off the scoreline at 74 minutes, reflecting Bolívar's comprehensive control of the game.
The spectacle took a dramatic twist around the 81st minute when Oriente’s fans, frustrated by their team’s poor showing, launched fireworks onto the field. This prompted the match referee to suspend the game after several attempts to clear the area. After waiting for about nine minutes, the referee called the match, leaving Bolívar celebrating their title.
Bolívar will now prepare for their Grand Final against San Antonio Bulo Bulo, scheduled for the coming Sunday, which will not only be another chance for glory but also a rigorous final test before entering the Copa Libertadores.
Gomes’ performance on this pivotal day marked his first hat-trick, establishing himself as one of the key players as Bolívar aims to add more silverware to their collection. His tactical awareness and sharp finishing set the tone for what could potentially be more success as they look forward to competing at the continental level.
This exhilarating match served as evidence of how competitive Bolivian football can be, with teams battling hardships but still showcasing skill on the pitch. Bolívar's story is one of determination and excellence, setting themselves apart as formidable contenders both domestically and on the international stage.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping close tabs on their progress, eagerly anticipating how Bolívar translates their domestic success onto bigger stages, particularly with the Copa Libertadores waiting on the horizon. After this stunning victory, expectations will undeniably be high for the storied club.
