Olimpia Makes Two Changes for Nacional Clash

Olimpia, preparing to face Nacional this Wednesday at La Visera de Barrio Obrero, is set to introduce two significant alterations to its starting lineup. Coach Pablo Andrés Sánchez is looking to bolster the team following a recent 1-0 defeat to Libertad in the classic "blanco y negro." The adjustments signal a strategic shift aimed at both immediate performance enhancement and long-term league compliance.

The most notable return is that of captain Richard Ortiz, who has recovered from a slight ailment. He will reclaim his starting position, replacing Richard Sánchez in the midfield. This move is intended to provide greater stability and balance to Olimpia's central play, a crucial area given the team's recent struggles. Ortiz's presence is expected to anchor the midfield and improve the team's overall control of the game.

Complementing Ortiz's return is the introduction of winger Pedro Zarza, who will take the place of Fernando Cardozo. This change is driven by a specific league regulation requiring clubs to field a player born on or after January 1, 2007, for a minimum number of minutes throughout the Clausura 2026 tournament. Zarza, who previously impressed at Trinidense, offers a dynamic option on the wing. His inclusion not only fulfills the U-20 requirement but also brings a much-needed element of unpredictability and attacking threat, as demonstrated by his previous substitute appearance against Libertad.

With these changes, Olimpia's projected formation against Nacional, referred to as "La Academia," will feature Gastón Olveira in goal. The defense will consist of Raúl Cáceres, Juan Ángel Vera, Mateo Gamarra, and Alan Rodríguez. The midfield will be anchored by the returning Ortiz, alongside Juan Fernando Alfaro and Eduardo Delmás. The attacking trio is expected to be Pedro Zarza, Braian Romero, and Bernardo Romeo Benítez. This lineup reflects Sánchez's efforts to find the right combination to secure a victory in the second round of the Clausura 2026 championship.

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The inclusion of Ortiz is to give greater balance to the midfield, while the entry of Zarza is related to the need to include a player under 20 years of age, as the regulation establishes that each club must field a player born on January 1, 2007, or later until a total of 900 minutes in the tournament.