Bolívar started the first phase of the Copa Libertadores with a victory (3-2) against Deportivo Lara. The Academia was overtaken on the field and on the scoreboard by the Venezuelans They got ahead twice. But nevertheless, the Bolivian team came from behind to take the lead in the second leg. Today, before his people, Natxo González’s men will seek the pass to stay alive in the most important competition in South America.
At the meeting in Venezuela, Francisco ‘Chico’ Da Costa dressed as a hero to sign a comeback before the break. The Brazilian needed only five minutes to add a decisive brace. First, in the 34th minute, took advantage of an error by goalkeeper Luis Curiel to get a rebound and; second, at minute 39, with a shot from outside the area after receiving the ball from his teammate Patricio Rodríguez. Two important goals for Bolívar that went from a defeat to a victory in just an instant.
Da Silva arrived in Bolivia a few months ago, although it seems that he has spent a lifetime linked to the Academy. After passing through countries like Paraguay or Mexico, The Brazilian striker has started his best football season under the orders of Natxo Gonzalez. At this time adds three goals and six assists in two games of the domestic competition, since he has the other two that he scored in the first leg of the first phase of the Libertadores.
Without a doubt, his goalscoring figures may end up being better compared to previous years as his year in Querétaro where he only added one goal in ten games or his stage in his last club, the Sol de América from Paraguay, who got eight goals and two assists in 16 games. Bolívar needs the best version of the Brazilian to stay alive in the Libertadores and fight for repeat the feat of 2014 by reaching the semi-finals. Today, it is still the only Bolivian club to reach that stage with the current format and, in addition, it is the team with the most participations in international tournaments, with 28 Copa Libertadores, 6 Copas Sudamericanas and a Conmebol Cup.
