Olimpia Power Past Audax Italiano 3-1 in Asunción Thriller

Olimpia produced a commanding all‑round performance to defeat Audax Italiano 3-1 at the Estadio Manuel Ferreira, strengthening their position in the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana group stage. The Paraguayan giants were superior in every department and fully deserved the three points.

The home side started with intensity, and their dominance paid off in the 18th minute. A sweeping move from the left flank ended with Derlis González steering the ball home from eight yards. Olimpia doubled their advantage just before the half‑hour mark when Richard Ortiz fired a stunning long‑range effort into the top corner, leaving the Audax goalkeeper with no chance.

Audax Strike Back Briefly But Olimpia Seal Victory

Audax Italiano showed signs of a response at the start of the second half. The Chilean side pulled a goal back in the 55th minute when Nicolás Orellana converted a penalty after a handball in the box. The goal gave the visitors a brief period of optimism, as they pushed for an equaliser.

However, Olimpia’s experience and physical edge proved decisive. The home team weathered the storm and then added a third goal in the 79th minute. Substitute Rodrigo Riquelme cut inside from the right and unleashed a low drive that crept inside the near post, effectively killing off the contest.

The victory keeps Olimpia firmly in contention for a top‑two finish in the group, while Audax Italiano will need to improve quickly if they are to keep their knockout hopes alive. The Paraguayan side’s ability to control matches from midfield makes them a dangerous prospect in the tournament’s latter stages.