Independiente Petrolero moved further clear in the Professional Division Cup with a 3-1 win over Guabirá Villarroel on Saturday evening. The result from Group Stage five extended their recent good form, while Guabirá's struggles continued. The visitors took the lead just before half-time and never looked back after the interval.
J. Goyeneche opened the scoring in the 47th minute, catching the hosts unmarked before their defensive shape had time to settle. C. Urdininea picked up a yellow card shortly before that, a sign of frustration building on the home side. They finished the half chasing the game and had to adjust their approach after the break.
Guabirá were punished for their inability to clear their lines when G. Cristaldo converted a penalty in the 62nd minute. The visitors then brought on Willie and A. Mercado in the 64th minute, looking to add fresh legs to a comfortable position. More changes followed at 67 and 69 minutes as both managers reshuffled their options.
It was S. Torres who got Guabirá back into contention in the 78th minute, giving the home supporters something to hold onto. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure, though the visitors kept their heads and responded quickly. They brought on three players at 80 minutes, including Gean and A. Landa, and seemed content to manage the game.
G. Alvarez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute plus four, ending any lingering hope of a comeback. D. Calero received a yellow card in the 89th minute, the second booking for the visitors in the match. The result leaves Guabirá deeper in trouble after a run of defeats that includes losses to Real Oruro, Bolivar, and Nacional Potosi in recent weeks.
Petrolero controlled the tempo more effectively, registering 86 attacks against 80 for the hosts and maintaining 51 per cent possession. Their shooting was sharper too, converting seven shots on target compared to Guabirá's four, with accuracy figures of 0.35 against 0.2. The visitors created better chances and took them when it mattered most.
