Olimpia Awakes Its Fans with Victory

Olimpia gave its supporters something to celebrate with a 2-1 victory over Sportivo Trinidense in Sunday morning's Clausura match at Defensores del Chaco.

The narrow score reflected a match in which Olimpia did not have much to spare, but still looked sharper than a Trinidense side whose opening experiment with two No. 9s failed to produce enough attacking threat. Romeo Benítez created the first clear chance, although goalkeeper Matías Dufour managed to clear.

Olimpia took the lead through Rodney Redes after a VAR review. Eduardo Delmás' powerful angled shot was only partially stopped by Dufour, who allowed the ball to rebound centrally. Redes finished, but assistant referee Milciades Saldívar initially raised his flag for offside. The review found that Axel Cañete had kept the play onside, and the goal stood.

From there, Olimpia controlled the match and appeared capable of extending its advantage. Trinidense changed its approach after the break, with Tomás Rayer replacing the ineffective “Chiquito” Giménez. José Gabriel Arrúa then equalized after controlling an aerial pass from Cañete and finishing while his marker failed to close him down.

Trinidense's momentum did not last. Nicolás Maná was sent off after a VAR review for serious foul play against “Coyote” Rodríguez. Olimpia coach “Vitamina” Sánchez strengthened his attack, and substitute Hugo Sandoval restored the lead after Dufour again made a mistake while dealing with a cross. The result left Olimpia with the victory, despite Trinidense's late attempt to respond.