Guaraní dominates Bolívar in the Copa Libertadores
Guaraní made themselves strong at La Nueva Olla, property of Cerro Porteño, where they played as the home team, and defeated Bolívar with clarity in their first match corresponding to Group B of the Copa Libertadores de América.
With this victory, the Paraguayan representative continues on a winning streak in the international competition and shares the lead with Palmeiras from Brazil, who won away against Tigre from Argentina in this round.
THE MATCH
Gustavo Costas' team struck very early against the Bolivian team by scoring a penalty at 2 minutes due to a handball by Roberto Domínguez. Captain Christian Javier Báez did not fail from the penalty spot and gave the advantage to the Aurinegro.
Bolívar did not stay lamenting and pushed forward, putting Guaraní's defensive sector in trouble. Gaspar Serbio had to make great saves to prevent the ball from entering his goal on clear shots from Emiliano Vecchio (12m) and Víctor Abrego (25m).
The first half had a changing pace and was played with great dynamism in Barrio Obrero. The aboriginal team protected the result, but also posed threats with deep attacks. Nevertheless, the half ended with a score of 1-0.
In the second half, the Paraguayan team found another goal shortly after the restart to give themselves some peace of mind. At 50 minutes into the match, Raúl Bobadilla extended the lead with a great shot after a perfect pass from Iván Ramírez.
The Tanque's goal was a direct blow to Bolívar's morale, which lost strength and was at the mercy of Bobadilla's power and Bautista Merlini's talent, who came into the match very motivated as a substitute for Nicolás Maná.
In the final stretch, Guaraní eased off the gas pedal, allowing the opponent to once again threaten their goal, but they couldn't score to get back into the match. The national team's next challenge will be on March 10th, away, against Palmeiras.