Vélez Sarsfield, the Argentine champions, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Bolivia’s San Antonio Bulo Bulo on Wednesday, securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with one group-stage match to spare.

Second-Half Surge and Total Control

The Fortín, led by Guillermo Barros Schelotto, struggled in the first half to break down the visitors’ defense, but came out strong in the second. The goals came from Maher Carrizo, who converted a penalty in the 68th minute, followed by Michael Santos in the 79th, and Álvaro Montoro, who sealed the deal in stoppage time at 90+3.

The Bolivian side, coached by Joaquín Monasterio, saw things go from bad to worse after Braian Salvareschi was sent off in the 74th minute, leaving them down to ten men with the score already against them.

Group H Shaping Up Ahead of the Final Round

Vélez now sits atop Group H with 10 points, level with Peñarol, and both teams are through to the knockout stage. San Antonio Bulo Bulo, with six points, has earned a place in the Copa Sudamericana playoff round, while Olimpia has been eliminated with just two points.

The final group-stage games will be played simultaneously on Wednesday, May 29. Olimpia will host San Antonio in Asunción, while Peñarol and Vélez will clash in Montevideo to decide who finishes first in the group.