In a thrilling debut in the Copa Libertadores, San Antonio Bulo Bulo secured a memorable 3-2 victory over the Paraguayan giants Olimpia at the Estádio Dr. Víctor Agustín Ugarte in Potosí, Bolivia, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 19:00 local time, showcased the resilience and determination of the Bolivian side, who are participating in the prestigious tournament for the first time in their history.
Bulo Bulo, fresh off their triumph in the 2024 Primera División, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike from Viveros in the 31st minute. However, the experienced Olimpia, a three-time Libertadores champion, responded quickly, with Adrián Benítez equalizing in the 63rd minute. Just ten minutes later, René Barbosa restored Bulo Bulo's lead, but Richard Ortiz brought Olimpia level once more shortly after. The match seemed destined for a draw until Herrera converted a penalty in the dying moments, clinching the win for Bulo Bulo.
The victory places Bulo Bulo atop Group C with three points, ahead of Vélez Sarsfield, who defeated Peñarol 2-1 in a concurrent match. This position gives the Bolivian club an early advantage as they aim for a historic progression in the tournament.
The game had a significant backdrop, taking place at over 3,900 meters above sea level, which posed a considerable challenge for the visiting team. The altitude is known to affect players' stamina and performance, and it became a critical factor as the match progressed. Olimpia's coach, Martín Palermo, acknowledged the difficulties his team faced, stating, "Playing at this altitude is always a challenge, but we have experience in these conditions."
On the other hand, Bulo Bulo's coach, Thiago Leitão, expressed immense pride in his team's performance. "We knew we had to take advantage of our home conditions, and the players executed our game plan perfectly," he said. The victory is not just a win; it’s a statement from a club that has only recently emerged on the continental stage.
Looking ahead, Bulo Bulo will face Peñarol next Tuesday, April 8, in Montevideo, while Olimpia will shift its focus to the Paraguayan league, where they will meet Guaraní on Sunday before returning to Libertadores action against Vélez Sarsfield on April 9 in Asunción.
The excitement surrounding this match extended beyond the pitch. Fans were eager to witness the historic moment for Bulo Bulo, and the stadium was filled to capacity with supporters who created a vibrant atmosphere. Tickets for the match were priced between 50 and 150 bolivianos (approximately R$ 40 to R$ 120), reflecting the high demand for this significant event.
In terms of individual performances, Felipe Pasadore stood out as a key player for Bulo Bulo. The forward, who was the top scorer in the Bolivian league last season with 18 goals, posed a constant threat to the Olimpia defense. On the opposing side, Derlis González was a critical figure for Olimpia, known for his technical skills and ability to create scoring opportunities.
This match also marked the first official meeting between San Antonio Bulo Bulo and Olimpia in their histories, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The game was broadcast live on Disney+ and Rádio La Deportiva 1120 AM, allowing fans from both nations to follow the action closely.
As the Copa Libertadores progresses, both teams will be looking to build on their performances. For Bulo Bulo, this victory is a significant boost as they aim to establish themselves in the tournament. For Olimpia, the focus will be on regrouping and coming back stronger in their upcoming matches.
With the group stage now underway, the competition promises to be fierce. The next fixtures for Bulo Bulo and Olimpia will be crucial as they seek to secure their spots in the knockout rounds. The energy and excitement from this inaugural match will undoubtedly carry through the tournament, as both teams look to make their mark.
