The Strongest delivered an astonishing 8-0 victory over San Antonio Bulo Bulo at the Hernando Siles Stadium on December 18, 2024. This remarkable scoreline secured their position as one of the dominant teams of the season; yet, the outcome was bittersweet due to their missed chance at the league title after rivals Bolívar triumphed over Oriente Petrolero.
The match kicked off with The Strongest showcasing their offensive prowess early on. Sebastián Guerrero opened the scoring with a precise low shot just 18 minutes in, following a slick setup by Joel Amoroso, who darted down the right flank. The hosts extended their lead just minutes later when San Antonio goalkeeper Junior Vera faltered, allowing Gabriel Sotomayor to pounce and net his first goal of the match, making it 2-0.
By the time the first half concluded, The Strongest had built their lead to four goals. Jeyson Chura netted the third goal at the 44th minute, before Joel Amoroso capped the first half with another goal during stoppage time (45'+1). Their well-organized and fluid attack left San Antonio scrambling.
Despite the significant deficit, San Antonio had opportunities to fight back. They earned a glimmer of hope when referee Santiago Silva awarded them a penalty for a foul by The Strongest's Darío Aimar on Luis Ariel Jaldín. Unfortunately for San Antonio, Pablo Meza's penalty shot at the 58th minute struck the crossbar, quashing their hopes of gaining ground.
The Strongest did not relent, increasing their tally just six minutes later. Colombian Michael Ortega's corner found Álvaro Quiroga's head, solidifying their overwhelming lead at 5-0. Enrique Triverio made it 6-0 at the 68th minute, finishing calmly after Sotomayor had outmaneuvered Vera.
Teenager Marcelo Buezo came off the bench to deliver the seventh goal at 79 minutes—an impressive long-range strike marking his first professional goal. Michael Ortega completed the rout with the final goal, extending the scoreline to 8-0 just two minutes later, showcasing The Strongest’s relentless approach.
Post-match reflections from both teams highlighted the disparity between their performances. The Strongest celebrated their offensive firepower but felt the sting of disappointment knowing their strong effort was not enough to secure them the league title, having relied on Bolívar to stumble against Oriente.
San Antonio's decision to rest key players for their impending championship final backfired, as their reshuffled lineup struggled to contain The Strongest's relentless attack. Fans and analysts alike raised questions about San Antonio's tactical choices as they were unable to capitalize on The Strongest's defensive lapses.
This match stood out not just for the score line but as a poignant moment for The Strongest, one whose offensive capabilities shone brightly but became overshadowed by the loss of title contention due to their rivals' success. Fans left the stadium with mixtures of jubilation for the performance and sorrow for the missed opportunity, encapsulating the rollercoaster of emotions engulfing The Strongest’s camp in the aftermath of this unforgettable clash.
The Strongest eagerly anticipates their next encounter, seeking to translate this impressive form as they move forward, but the question lingers: could they have made it to the top with this display, had the stars aligned differently?
