Bolívar edge GV San José in hard-fought Oruro match

Bolívar secured a narrow 1-0 victory over GV San José in Oruro, but the match offered little comfort for a side forced to work far harder than expected for the three points.

The rescheduled Copa Bolivia fixture, originally postponed because Bolívar were playing in the Copa Sudamericana, remained level for much of the opening period. GV San José refused to sit back and competed for possession, while Bolívar tried to impose its style. Alex Cáceres came closest early for the home side, striking the post with a shot aimed at Carlos Lampe’s near corner.

Bolívar’s task became more difficult in the 29th minute when Leonel Justiniano received a straight red card after the referee reviewed a challenge on Mijail Avilés. The visitors continued to attack despite playing with 10 men. A penalty awarded just before halftime after Billy Arce was brought down was later overturned following another VAR review.

The numerical advantage did not last long for GV San José. Sebastián Villarroel was sent off in the 50th minute for headbutting Luis Paz, leaving both teams with 10 players. Bolívar then began to create more danger, although VAR again intervened when Bruno Miranda’s goal was disallowed for a prior handball. The match was ultimately decided by Damián Batallini’s penalty, allowing Bolívar to leave Oruro with a hard-earned win.