Guabirá beat Universitario de Vinto 2:1 in the opening Group Stage match of the Professional Division Cup on Monday night. The hosts took all three points from a game where they controlled the tempo without dominating possession. Pedro scored twice to secure the victory for his side.
The opening goal came in the eighth minute when Pedro found the net. Guabirá extended their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark, with C. Anez directing an own goal into his own net in the eighteenth minute. The visitors looked uncomfortable from the start, unable to settle into their usual rhythm.
Pedro added his second goal in the fifty-third minute, completing his brace. By then, Guabirá had built enough of a cushion to weather the visitors' attempts to mount a comeback. Universitario de Vinto pushed forward but lacked the cutting edge to trouble the home defence.
The match's final dramatic moment arrived in injury time when a penalty was missed in the ninety-ninth minute. It would have given Universitario de Vinto hope of a late equaliser, but the attempt sailed wide. Three yellow cards arrived in the closing stages, including two in the ninety-fourth minute, as tensions rose.
Guabirá enjoyed 54 per cent possession but let Universitario de Vinto win the battle on attacks, 106 to 101. The visitors managed only two shots on target with fifteen per cent accuracy, while the hosts hit the target five times from their efforts. Three corners to two suggested the home side created more from set pieces.
The result extends Guabirá's strong run of form, building on victories over Strongest and Real Tomayapo in recent weeks. Universitario de Vinto's struggles continue after defeats to Real Tomayapo and Oriente Petrolero. The group stage now promises more contention as both teams look to build momentum.