Bolívar Repeats the Dose Against Palestino and Sets a Date With Cienciano in the Round of 16

Bolívar defeated Palestino 3-0 in Santiago, replicating their 3-0 win from eight days earlier in La Paz, to secure a commanding 6-0 aggregate victory in the Copa Sudamericana. This result eliminated any doubt and advanced the Bolivian team to the tournament's Round of 16, where they will face Peru's Cienciano.

Bolívar dominated from the start, with Colombian midfielder Daniel Cataño opening the scoring in the 24th minute by pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Defender José Sagredo doubled the lead just four minutes later, heading in a corner kick assisted by Cataño, who had also scored in the first leg.

Palestino struggled to respond despite controlling possession, as their attacks lacked depth and precision in the final third. Key players like Junior Marabel, Ronnie Fernández, and Ariel Martínez failed to breach Bolívar's defense, which was anchored by a solid performance from goalkeeper Carlos Lampe. In the second half, Palestino increased their urgency but remained ineffective, while Bolívar capitalized on counterattacks, with Uruguayan striker Martín Cauteruccio sealing the win with a left-footed finish off another assist from Cataño.

This emphatic win not only highlighted Bolívar's excellent form under coach Flavio Robatto but also positioned them as serious contenders for the Copa Sudamericana title. The upcoming Round of 16 tie against Cienciano will begin with the first leg in La Paz on August 13, followed by the return leg in Peru on August 20, fueling optimism among fans that the club can achieve continental success.