For the fourth date of the Copa Libertadores, Barcelona lost to Bolivar 1–0 at SC La Paz.
After their defeat against Palmeiras at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, the ‘Idolo del Astillero’ traveled to face the only team in the group stage. Earlier, they had defeated Sky Blues 2-1 at home.
The only three points achieved allowed it to finish third thanks to goal difference, as it equaled Cerro Porteño in that aspect. He had to win to stay in the running for a place in the Round of 16.
In the case of the Bolivian squad, they arrived as group leaders and their only defeat came in Ecuador. Against Palmeiras they won at home and against the Paraguayans they won 4–0 as a visitor.
A new win could almost ensure them a place in the next round due to other commitments. For this not to happen, they must lose their two remaining matches and keep a series of results between their rivals.
Posts saved Barcelona from collapse
Throughout the first half, the Bolivians were determined in their pursuit and found opportunities to draw in front of their rivals. The Canarian team had positions as assistants and on two occasions the ball did not go in.
In the 26th minute of the first half, Diego Bejarano tried a shot from outside the area. It was powerful and impossible for goalkeeper Victor Mendoza, however, as the crossbar was interfering.
Bolivar did not give up and 180 seconds later he got a new opportunity. This time, it was Gabriel Villamil who took the shot, which once again hit the post.
Barcelona had a tough time and could not create chances at the opposite goal. Order in midfield and an improvement in defense allowed them to maintain parity until the end of the first half.
Injuries affect Barcelona and Bolivar is exempt
For commitment, the bullfighters could not count on stellar names such as Damian Diaz, Fernando Gabor or Javier Burrai, but in the clash against the Altiplano team, these soared. At the end of the preliminary phase, the team suffered the loss of Jenner Corzo and the following assignment was characterized by a similar episode.
For the second half, the winger did not appear in the selected players and Fidel Martínez entered as his replacement. He also suffered discomfort after a stroke and a few minutes of play and had to leave.
Bolivar was the team that was in control, despite the fact that at times Barcelona were there to win it. Victor Mendoza was responsible for keeping the goal clean, but the goal fell at the end of the game.
Ronnie Fernandez receives a ball in the area and after going past a defender, has a shot. He was 90+4 and the result was out. Barcelona took everything out of the middle.
Bolivar is in first place with the win. Barcelona’s third-place finish will depend on what happens between Palmeiras and Cerro Porteño.
