Nacional Potosí celebrated a resounding victory over Oriente Petrolero, winning 4-1 during the 28th round of the Clausura tournament held Friday night at the Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte. The match not only showcased Nacional's dominance but also sealed Oriente's exit from contention for international competition.
From the first whistle, Nacional Potosí exhibited their ambition, consistently pushing forward and creating chances. Within mere minutes, they found the net after successfully exploiting a defensive misstep on a set piece. Víctor Ábrego struck first for Nacional, converting from inside the box with clarity and conviction after receiving the ball unmarked, launching their campaign effectively.
Just as it seemed Nacional would run away with the game, Oriente's Miguel Villarroel surprised the audience by leveling the score. Following a swift counterattack, Villarroel's pace and skill allowed him to outmaneuver Nacional's defense and lift the ball delicately over the advancing goalkeeper, Saidt Mustafá. It was the sort of determined play needed to instill hope for the visitors.
Despite the equalizer, Nacional quickly regained momentum, pressing relentlessly against Oriente's backline. They came close numerous times, one standout moment being Carlos Preciado hitting the post from outside the box. The first half ended with the teams tied at 1-1 but with Nacional's offensive prowess shining.
Halftime brought no respite for Oriente. Re-emerging from the break, they initially made two promising attempts to claim the lead but faltered. Their hopes crumbled spectacularly when Hugo Rojas, once part of Oriente, scored with precision from outside the area, placing the ball just beyond the goalkeeper’s reach six minutes after the restart.
With the score now tilted at 2-1, Nacional sensed victory was within grasp. Martín Prost followed suit, extending the lead to 3-1 merely five minutes later. A crisp pass from Rojas found him perfectly positioned, and he executed the finish with finesse, taking advantage of Oriente's vulnerabilities.
Oriente, desperate to recover, continued to press forward but struggled with composure. Their efforts were met with staunch resilience from the home side, exemplifying their determination to secure qualification for next year’s international tournaments. Eventually, Ábrego added his second of the night, capping off his evening with Nacional’s fourth goal, affirming their victory. A lengthy VAR check confirmed no offside, allowing the goal to stand.
Despite several additional efforts, including disallowed goals for both teams, the final whistle blew with the score firmly at 4-1. This debacle left Oriente with nowhere to turn, as their eight-point deficit before the final matches of the season denied them any chance of reaching the top six of the table, which would qualify them for international play.
With this defeat, the dreams of playing for international glory evaporated for Oriente Petrolero, marking a significant downturn for the club. They now focus on their remaining matches, but their hopes for 2025 have dashed.
Meanwhile, Nacional Potosí’s victory solidifies their place among the contenders for the Copa Sudamericana or Copa Libertadores. Their performance, particularly by standouts Ábrego and Prost, has raised expectations as the season draws to its concluding matches. Analysts speculate about their chances of progression based on upcoming results from the remaining fixtures.
The excitement witnessed during last night's match encapsulated the electric atmosphere of Bolivian football. Spectators left the stadium celebrating Nacional’s achievement, proud of their team for securing another year of international football.
Resounding cheers echoed through the stands, contrasting sharply with the disappointment reflected on the faces of Oriente supporters as they come to terms with their elimination. The path carved out by Nacional not only signals their prowess but also reaffirms their commitment to growth and competition on the international stage.
