Palmeiras didn’t let the 3,650 meters of altitude in La Paz get in their way, as the Brazilian side grabbed a 3-2 win over Bolívar to stay top of Group G in the Copa Libertadores.

Estevão shows his class

The Verdão, coached by Abel Ferreira, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a quick counterattack finished off by Argentine striker José Manuel López, who found the net with little resistance from local goalkeeper Federico Lanzillota. Rising star Estevão, just 18 years old and one of Palmeiras’ brightest young talents, made it 2-0 in the 44th minute with a calm finish that silenced the home crowd.

Bolívar, led by Flavio Robatto, fought their way back into the match with a brace from Fábio Gomes (56' and 69'), leveling the score at 2-2. But just a few minutes later, Mauricio Magalhães struck in the 73rd to restore Palmeiras’ lead and seal the win.

Group G standings

With this victory in La Paz, Palmeiras now lead Group G with a perfect nine points. Bolívar sit third with just three points. Cerro Porteño from Paraguay (also with three points) and Sporting Cristal from Peru (still on zero) will round out the group’s third round of fixtures later Thursday in Asunción.