River Plate received Olimpia at Los Jardines del Kelito, which did not have optimal grass for playing football. However, the championship leader came out victorious with an important 0-1 win thanks to Roque Santa Cruz's goal.
The match. The playing field at Los Jardines del Kelito did not contribute to a good display of football. The game was highly contested in the midfield with very little actual play.
Right from the start, River Plate had the first chance with Richard Salinas in a one-on-one situation, but Alfredo Aguilar came out on top. The Olimpia goalkeeper denied the Kelito forward with a great save.
Olimpia would not miss their opportunity. In the 44th minute of the first half, Roque Santa Cruz received a ball inside the box and finished it nicely past Pablo Gavilán's desperate attempt, giving Decano the lead at 0-1.
In the second half, Olimpia was superior and had several clear goal-scoring opportunities that were not converted. The positive note for Decano was the return of William Mendieta to the field after a 2-month absence due to injury.
The score remained unchanged, and Olimpia won 0-1, comfortably maintaining their lead in the Clausura with 35 points. River Plate is still in the tenth position with 10 points.
In the next matchday, 15th, Olimpia will host Libertad at Estadio Manuel Ferreira. Meanwhile, River Plate will visit Nacional.