La Paz, Apr 25 (UNI) Midfielder Mauricio Prado scored late as Brazil’s Palmeiras edged to a 3-2 away win over Bolivian side Bolivar in their Copa Libertadores group stage match.
Jose Lopez put the visitors ahead at Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz – situated more than 3,600 meters above sea level – when he stole possession deep in Bolivar’s half before rounding goalkeeper Federico Lanzillota and calmly slotting the ball into an empty net on Thursday.
Teenager Estevao doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime with a first-time finish from the edge of the six-yard box after Facundo Torres’ cross on the counterattack. But the hosts emerged from the interval with renewed verve and Fabio Gomes reduced the deficit by latching onto Pato Rodriguez’s cross with a header from point-blank range.
The duo combined again 13 minutes later as Gomes nodded into the far corner following Rodriguez’s inch-perfect delivery from the left flank.
The goal spurred Palmeiras into action and Mauricio restored the Sao Paulo club’s lead with a powerful finish from 10 yards after another Torres assist.
The result leaves Palmeiras top of Group G with nine points from three games, five points ahead of second-placed Cerro Porteno. Bolivar is third, a point further back.
In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Thursday, Central Cordoba won 2-1 at home to Deportivo Tachira, Bahia clinched a 1-0 home victory over Atletico Nacional and Sporting Cristal drew 2-2 at Cerro Porteno.
