Olimpia defeated Recoleta 3-2 on Friday in the penultimate round of the 2026 Apertura tournament, a match that saw the Franjeado struggle to break down a resilient opponent before snatching a late winner. The victory, played on Mother's Day, was a welcome return to winning ways for Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez's side, according to El Nacional.
Despite dominating possession, Olimpia initially lacked incision. Recoleta had the first clear chance when Allan Wlk forced a save from goalkeeper Sebastián Lentinelly. The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Romeo Benítez delivered a cross from the left, Rubén Lezcano headed it down, and Eduardo Delmás nodded home. Olimpia nearly doubled the lead two minutes later when Lezcano unleashed a left-footed shot that was saved by Andrés Marsengo.
Recoleta equalized early in the second half. Kevin Parzajuk produced a fine individual run down the left, crossed into the area, and Giusseppe Guggiari controlled with his chest before volleying past Lentinelly. Olimpia regained the lead in the 58th minute after a VAR review penalized Maros Pereira for a dangerous tackle on Hugo Quintana. Adrián Alcaraz converted the penalty, placing the ball inside the right post. However, Recoleta leveled again in the 66th minute when Brahian Ferreira's short corner found Allan Wlk, who headed home.
Just as Recoleta seemed to be gaining momentum, Olimpia struck the decisive blow in the 89th minute. Franco Alfonso's cross from the left was met by a powerful header from Hugo Sandoval, securing a 3-2 victory. The win leaves Olimpia on 46 points in the Apertura standings.