Olimpia put the match beyond doubt early on, with Gabriel Ávalos scoring three times in the first quarter-hour as the Paraguayan giants eased past Recoleta. The result is another firm step toward their bid for back-to-back titles.
A blistering start
Olimpia pressed high from the opening whistle and took control of the ball. Their attacks came from several directions, with wingers stretching the pitch, and Ávalos was the main beneficiary. He converted his first chance after five minutes, finishing from close range after Fernando Cardozo’s cross, and doubled the lead at the 10-minute mark with a low, precise finish after a quick counterattack led by Eduardo Delmás and Romeo Benítez.
Ávalos completed his treble before the 15th minute. Olimpia again worked the ball into the box from a long goal-kick, and his left-foot strike from a tight angle left the Recoleta defence with no chance.
Olimpia ease off
With a commanding lead, Olimpia slowed the tempo and allowed Recoleta more of the ball. Benítez added a fourth just before the break, cutting inside and drilling a low shot past goalkeeper Óscar Toledo.
In the second half, coach Pablo “Vitamina” Sánchez made two changes to protect players who had been physically taxed by the recent Superclásico. Recoleta sat deep, focused on limiting the damage.
Derlis González’s emotional return
The second half also offered a moment of significance for Derlis González, who came on for Richard Ortiz after a long spell out of action. He received the captain’s armband and was warmly applauded by the crowd. His team-mates came close to giving him a goal, but Pedro Ríos cleared Cardozo’s cross off the line.
Consolation for Recoleta
Recoleta’s only goal arrived after the hour mark. Aldo González carried the ball forward, broke through the midfield and, after a one-two with Wilfrido Báez, curled a low shot beyond Gastón Olveira. It was the visitors’ only clear chance of the match.
Source: www.abc.com.py
