San Antonio Bulo Bulo made a remarkable entrance into the CONMEBOL Libertadores, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paraguay's Olimpia on April 2, 2025, in the high-altitude city of Cochabamba. This match marked a significant milestone for the Bolivian side, as they faced off against a team with a rich history in the tournament, including three titles to their name.
The match saw San Antonio take the lead in the 30th minute, thanks to a goal from Colombian striker Sebastián Viveros. The goal came after a free kick taken by Venezuelan Carlos Suárez, which was initially cleared by the Paraguayan defense. However, Viveros was quick to pounce on the loose ball, slotting it into the back of the net and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite the early setback, Olimpia responded with determination. The Decano found the equalizer in the 64th minute when Hugo Adrián Benítez connected with a well-placed pass from Facundo Zabala, firing the ball past San Antonio's goalkeeper Rodrigo Saracho.
However, the joy for Olimpia was short-lived. Just ten minutes later, San Antonio regained the lead through Luis Barbosa, who scored after receiving a pass from Oswaldo Blanco. The goal was initially met with some controversy, as the referee Kevin Ortega reviewed the play via VAR before confirming it. This moment showcased the tension of the match, as both teams fought fiercely for control.
Olimpia's persistence paid off again in the 79th minute when Richard Ortiz capitalized on a free kick executed by Zabala, leveling the score at 2-2. The game was becoming increasingly intense, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal.
In a dramatic turn of events, San Antonio was awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the match after a foul on Blanco. Julio Herrera stepped up to take the penalty and coolly converted it in the 90+11 minute, sealing the victory for San Antonio with a final score of 3-2.
The win places San Antonio Bulo Bulo at the top of Group H, tied on points with Argentina's Vélez Sarsfield but ahead on goal difference. Meanwhile, Olimpia sits in third place, with Peñarol from Uruguay languishing at the bottom of the group.
In another match on the same day, Atlético Nacional was facing Nacional of Uruguay in a tense encounter. As of the 32nd minute, Nacional had settled into the game, managing to regain composure after a shaky start.
Throughout the early stages, Atlético Nacional appeared to dominate, with Marino Hinestroza and Andrés Román making significant contributions on the right wing. However, they struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances, with several attempts failing to test Nacional's goalkeeper, Luis Mejía.
In the 29th minute, William Tesillo had a promising shot from outside the area, but it was comfortably saved by Mejía. Similarly, Eduardo Vargas had a chance in the 25th minute, only for his effort to be easily controlled by David Ospina, who was in goal for Atlético Nacional.
As the match progressed, Nacional of Uruguay began to find their rhythm, with Luis Recoba coming close with a header in the 19th minute, which Ospina managed to keep out. Despite the pressure from Atlético Nacional, Nacional's strategy of playing direct football with Diego Herazo as a target man started to pay off.
With both matches showcasing the competitive spirit of the Libertadores, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament unfolds. San Antonio Bulo Bulo's victory sets a promising tone for their campaign, while Atlético Nacional and Nacional of Uruguay continue to battle for supremacy in their ongoing clash.
As the Libertadores progresses, the excitement is palpable. Will San Antonio maintain their lead in Group H, or will Olimpia bounce back in their next fixture? And how will Nacional of Uruguay fare against Atlético Nacional as they seek to establish themselves in the tournament?
