In a commanding performance, Peñarol defeated San Antonio Bulo Bulo 3-0 at the Estadio Félix Capriles in Cochabamba, Bolivia, on May 6, 2025, solidifying their position at the top of Group H in the Copa Libertadores. Maximiliano Silvera was the standout star of the match, scoring two goals and showcasing Peñarol's attacking prowess.
The match kicked off at an altitude of 2,582 meters, presenting a unique challenge for both teams. Peñarol, however, quickly established control, with Silvera opening the scoring in the 75th minute after a well-placed assist from Leonardo Fernández. Lucas Hernández added to the lead just a few minutes later, scoring in the 92nd minute, followed by Silvera sealing the victory with his second goal in the 94th minute.
Despite San Antonio's possession advantage of 56%, they struggled to translate that into meaningful opportunities. The Bolivian side failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match, while Peñarol managed six attempts, highlighting the effectiveness of their offensive strategy. Leandro Umpiérrez came close to scoring for Peñarol in the first half, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot, but it was Silvera who would ultimately break the deadlock.
The first half saw both teams feeling each other out, with Peñarol’s defense holding firm against San Antonio's attempts to create chances. Julio Herrera's injury in the 34th minute forced San Antonio to make an early substitution, bringing in Carlos Suárez. This setback seemed to disrupt their rhythm as they struggled to find their footing.
Diego Aguirre, Peñarol's coach, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, noting, "We played a good match against a difficult opponent, a team that had been strong at home winning their previous two matches. We were a bit cautious at times, respecting the rival, and then we went for it and managed to impose our superiority and technical quality. There’s no doubt the result was well-deserved." Aguirre’s tactical approach, which involved a more defensive setup in the first half to adapt to the altitude and San Antonio's style, paid off as his players executed the game plan effectively.
In the second half, as Peñarol grew more confident, they began to create more chances, with Silvera and Hernández capitalizing on gaps left by a beleaguered San Antonio defense. Aguirre praised the impact of his substitutes, particularly Lucas Hernández, who not only scored but also contributed significantly to the attacking play. "The changes were effective, but what makes them good are the results. If we hadn’t won, I would have faced criticism, but everyone contributed from their position," Aguirre remarked.
Peñarol's victory places them firmly at the top of Group H with 7 points, while San Antonio sits third with 6 points, tied with Vélez Sarsfield, who will face Olimpia next. This match was crucial for Peñarol as they look to maintain momentum in the tournament.
Statistics from the match revealed a stark contrast between the two teams. Peñarol completed 317 passes with an accuracy rate that outshone San Antonio's 217 successful passes. The Uruguayan side also dominated in recoveries, winning back possession 20 times compared to San Antonio's 9. Additionally, San Antonio committed 14 fouls, compared to Peñarol's 3, indicating a more disciplined performance from the visitors.
As the match drew to a close, San Antonio's hopes faded, and the frustration was palpable as they failed to convert possession into goals. Aguirre acknowledged the challenges posed by San Antonio, noting their attacking threats and the difficulties they presented in both encounters. "Bulo Bulo has good players, and they posed challenges for us. Nonetheless, we were superior in both matches and deserved the wins," he stated.
With this win, Peñarol not only secured three vital points but also set the stage for their upcoming matches in the Copa Libertadores. The team’s next challenge will be to maintain their form and continue their pursuit of the coveted title.
In conclusion, Peñarol's decisive victory over San Antonio Bulo Bulo showcased their quality and determination, reinforcing their status as serious contenders in the Copa Libertadores. As they look ahead, the focus will be on sustaining this momentum and navigating the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament.
