In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, Palmeiras emerged victorious over Bolívar with a score of 3-2 on April 24, 2025, solidifying their position at the top of Group G in the Copa Libertadores 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a stunning comeback attempt from the Bolivians that ultimately fell short.
Palmeiras, known for their strength in continental competitions, opened the scoring early in the match. José Manuel López found the back of the net in the 19th minute, giving the Brazilian side a crucial lead. Just before halftime, Estevao doubled the advantage, scoring in the 45th minute to put Palmeiras ahead 2-0.
However, the second half saw a spirited response from Bolívar. The home side, buoyed by the altitude of La Paz, fought back with determination. Fábio Gomes, who was a standout performer for Bolívar, scored twice in quick succession, netting goals in the 56th and 69th minutes. His efforts leveled the match at 2-2, igniting hope among the home fans.
Despite the momentum swinging in Bolívar's favor, Palmeiras proved their resilience. Mauricio scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, allowing Palmeiras to regain the lead at 3-2. This goal was critical, as it not only secured three points for the visitors but also showcased their ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout the match, Palmeiras dominated possession, boasting 68% of the ball. Their tactical setup, a 3-4-3 formation under coach Abel Ferreira, allowed them to control the midfield and create numerous scoring opportunities. In contrast, Bolívar, managed by Flavio Robatto, employed a 4-5-1 formation, focusing on a solid defensive structure while looking to counter-attack.
Bolívar's lineup featured Federico Lanzillotta in goal, with defenders Yomar Rocha, Jairo Quinteros, Jesús Sagredo, and Ervin Vaca. The midfield included Robson Tome, Leonel Justiniano, Carlos Melgar, Ramiro Vaca, and Patricio Rodríguez, while Fábio Gomes led the attack. Despite their efforts, the team could not capitalize on their chances, and the defeat leaves them in a challenging position within the group.
The match was not without drama; Palmeiras had a golden opportunity to extend their lead early in the second half when Facundo Torres struck the post just two minutes after the break. This near miss allowed Bolívar to regroup and mount their comeback.
After the match, coach Abel Ferreira expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting their ability to respond to adversity. "We knew Bolívar would fight hard, especially at home. Our players showed great character to reclaim the lead and secure the win," Ferreira stated.
On the other hand, Bolívar's coach Flavio Robatto praised his team's fighting spirit but acknowledged the need for improvement. "We showed resilience and the ability to come back, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. We can't afford to give away early leads against top teams like Palmeiras," he commented.
With this victory, Palmeiras now sits comfortably at the top of Group G with a perfect score of 9 points from three matches. They have won all their games so far, including a previous victory over Cerro Porteño. Bolívar, meanwhile, remains in third place with just 3 points, having previously won against Sporting Cristal.
Looking ahead, Bolívar will face Sporting Cristal in their next match, while Palmeiras will travel to play Cerro Porteño. Both teams will be eager to secure points as the group stage of the Copa Libertadores progresses.
The match showcased the competitive spirit of South American football, with both teams demonstrating skill, strategy, and determination. Palmeiras continues to assert their dominance in the tournament, while Bolívar will need to regroup and refocus for their upcoming challenges.
