San Antonio Bulo Bulo has made headlines in South American football as they prepare to host Vélez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores on April 23, 2025. Just a year ago, the Bolivian club was virtually unknown, but their rapid rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Founded in 1962 by a local priest in Cochabamba, San Antonio spent decades as a small neighborhood team, often paying players with cinnamon-flavored ice cream. However, the political spotlight soon turned towards them, leading to their stunning ascent to the continental stage.
The club's fortunes began to change after former president Evo Morales sought to elevate a local football team. Initially backing Palmaflor, which collapsed after Morales' resignation in 2019, he shifted his support to San Antonio, which subsequently relocated to the town of Entre Ríos, home to a major YPFB petrochemical plant. The inauguration of the 17,000-seat Carlos Villegas stadium in 2020 marked a new chapter in the club's history. In 2021, San Antonio won the regional third division and achieved promotion to the top tier in 2023 through Bolivia’s Copa Simón Bolívar.
Their promotion campaign was marked by some questionable results, including a staggering 12-0 victory over San Lorenzo del Beni, which raised eyebrows across the league. In their debut season at the top level, San Antonio shocked the nation by winning the 2024 Apertura, defeating heavyweights Bolívar and Universitario de Vinto. This success secured them a place in the Copa Libertadores and a $3 million prize, a significant sum for a club of their stature.
However, the path to success has not been without its challenges. Coach Julio César Baldivieso resigned just ten days before the tournament, citing poor conditions. His replacement, Joaquín Monasterio, has since led the team to a 3-2 victory over Olimpia and a respectable 2-0 loss against Peñarol, despite the team training five hours away from their home ground with inadequate facilities. The current squad features several players from the ex-Always Ready team, a club presided over by Andrés Costa, the son of Bolivian FA president Fernando Costa, a close ally of Morales. Their kits are sponsored by UTB, a Costa family business.
San Antonio Bulo Bulo's rise is a paradox. For players and coaches, it’s an unlikely platform to shine on South America’s biggest stage. Yet, to many observers, it represents the uneasy intersection of politics and football, marked by rapid success, powerful connections, and lingering suspicion.
As they prepare to face Vélez Sarsfield, expectations are high. The match will take place at the Félix Capriles Stadium in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and is set to kick off at 19:00 local time. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in any competition, marking the start of a new rivalry in South American football.
Vélez Sarsfield comes into the match with a strong performance in the Libertadores, having won both of their opening games, scoring six goals and conceding just one. They currently sit at the top of their group and are looking to maintain their perfect record. In the Argentinian Championship, however, they are struggling, sitting 13th in Group B with three wins, two draws, and nine losses from 14 matches.
On the other hand, San Antonio Bulo Bulo has had a mixed start to their Libertadores campaign, with one win, one draw, and one loss. They have scored three goals and conceded four, placing them in a challenging position as they look to secure points at home. In the Bolivian league, they are currently 11th, with four wins, one draw, and one loss, but they have a goal difference of -6.
Both teams are eager to improve their standings, making this match crucial for their aspirations in the tournament. Vélez Sarsfield will aim to leverage their solid defense and maintain their winning streak, while San Antonio Bulo Bulo will look to capitalize on the home advantage and rally their fans behind them.
Fans can catch the action live on several platforms, including ESPN3 Brazil, Zapping, Claro TV, and Disney. With the stakes high and both teams looking to assert their dominance, this clash promises to be an exciting spectacle.
As the match approaches, the anticipation builds. Will San Antonio Bulo Bulo continue their fairytale rise in South American football, or will Vélez Sarsfield assert their experience and quality? One thing is for sure: this encounter will add a new chapter to the history of the Copa Libertadores.
In conclusion, the game between San Antonio Bulo Bulo and Vélez Sarsfield is not just about points; it's about proving oneself on the continental stage. With both teams eager to make their mark, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with passion and intensity.
