A decisive match is set to unfold today, , at the Félix Capriles stadium in Cochabamba, Bolivia, as Aurora and San Antonio compete for the final spot in the semifinals of the Copa de Verano (Summer Cup). The stakes are high for both teams, with the winner advancing to face Always Ready in the next round.
The contest follows a 1-1 draw in the first leg, played at the same venue on . This afternoon’s encounter will therefore determine which of the two Cochabamba-based clubs will progress in the tournament, organized by the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF).
Aurora will be designated as the home team for ticketing purposes, a purely administrative detail that does not alter the competitive nature of the tie. Coach Giancarlo Umaña believes his team deserved a better result in the first leg and is confident they can secure victory today. “We will give it everything,” Umaña stated, emphasizing the importance of securing all three points.
Aurora’s squad will feature young players Alan Terrazas and Sebastián Viviani, who are expected to play key offensive roles. The coaching staff has indicated no anticipated absences from the team, opting instead to place trust in emerging talent.
San Antonio, however, faces a setback with the absence of their captain and key player, Adalid Terrazas, who was sent off in the first leg. Despite this, coach Diómedes Peña remains optimistic, asserting that his team possesses the necessary resources to advance. He acknowledged Aurora’s expected competitiveness, but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to overcome the challenge.
The winner of this playoff will face Always Ready, who previously secured their semifinal berth after defeating Gualberto Villarroel. The tournament is serving as a crucial preparation period for Bolivian clubs ahead of the upcoming official season. For Aurora, continued participation offers an opportunity to build momentum and refine their tactical approach. San Antonio, meanwhile, is using the Copa de Verano to gain match fitness in preparation for a more significant challenge: a playoff match against Blooming on for a place in the Copa Sudamericana, a continental competition.
The match is scheduled to begin at 17:30 local time. Aurora’s management anticipates a strong turnout from supporters, with ticket prices set at 50 Bolivianos for preferred seating, 40 Bolivianos for general admission, and 20 Bolivianos for the curva (standing area). The atmosphere at the Félix Capriles stadium is expected to be charged, reflecting the significance of this local derby and the high stakes involved.
The Copa de Verano has already seen Bolívar and Blooming qualify for the semifinals alongside Always Ready. This tournament provides a valuable platform for Bolivian clubs to assess their players and strategies before the commencement of the domestic league season. The focus for both Aurora and San Antonio now rests solely on securing a place in the final four and maintaining their momentum heading into the more competitive stages of the year.
Beyond the immediate implications for the two clubs, the match highlights the growing importance of pre-season tournaments in South American football. These competitions allow teams to experiment with different formations, integrate new signings, and build team cohesion before the start of the league campaigns. The Copa de Verano, in particular, has gained prominence as a testing ground for Bolivian clubs preparing for both domestic and international challenges.
The absence of Adalid Terrazas for San Antonio is a significant blow, given his leadership qualities and influence on the pitch. However, coach Peña’s assertion that his team has “the weapons” to succeed suggests a belief in the depth of the squad and the ability of other players to step up in his absence. The match will likely be a tactical battle, with both teams carefully assessing their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
The prospect of facing Always Ready in the semifinals adds another layer of intrigue to the contest. Always Ready are considered one of the strongest teams in Bolivia, and a match against them would represent a formidable challenge for either Aurora or San Antonio. The winner of today’s match will need to be at their best to stand a chance of progressing to the final.
