San Antonio Bulo Bulo Stuns Vélez Sarsfield with Own Goals

COCHABAMBA, Bolivia — Two own goals propelled San Antonio Bulo Bulo to a 2-1 victory over Vélez Sarsfield on Wednesday, marking the end of Vélez’s unbeaten streak in Group H of the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores.

The match at Félix Capriles Stadium took a turn when Vélez forward Brian Romero had a goal disallowed in the 22nd minute after a video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled a handball in the build-up.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s Vélez team appeared to control the match until they faced an unexpected setback four minutes later. In the 26th minute, defender Elías Gómez inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to clear the ball, giving San Antonio a 1-0 advantage.

The second half saw Vélez searching for an equalizer but fate struck again. Striker Michael Santos, in an attempt to defend, scored another own goal in the 86th minute, increasing San Antonio’s lead to 2-0.

Despite 18-year-old midfielder Álvaro Montoro scoring for Vélez in the 90th minute, the team could not stage a comeback in the remaining seconds.

Following this result, Vélez and San Antonio Bulo Bulo are tied at the top of Group H with 6 points each. Peñarol is in third place with 4 points after playing to a 0-0 draw against Olimpia, who sits last with just 1 point. The next round of matches will take place in May, with San Antonio hosting Peñarol on May 6 and Vélez facing Olimpia on May 8.