Vladimir Soria Leads Bolívar Past Fluminense in 3,367-Metre Clash — Bolívar - Fluminense
Bolívar and Fluminense meet on Thursday, April 30, in bolívar - fluminense with both clubs sitting on one point from two Group C matches. The third-round game at Estadio Hernando Siles gives Bolívar a chance to open their 2026 Copa Libertadores campaign properly while Fluminense try to steady a start that has already slipped.
Estadio Hernando Siles Pressure
The match will be played at 3,367 metres above sea level, and Fluminense arrived as close as possible to kick-off to reduce the effects of altitude. Bolívar have turned that ground into a major edge in continental play, winning 90 of 135 matches at the Hernando Siles and posting a 67 per cent home record in the Copa Libertadores.
That is the backdrop for a game both teams need. Bolívar drew 1-1 at home against Deportivo La Guaira in the second round, while Fluminense began the group stage with setbacks against Deportivo La Guaira and Independiente Rivadavia, including a home defeat at the Maracanã Stadium.
Vladimir Soria On The Touchline
Vladimir Soria will be on the touchline for Bolívar after Flávio Robatto resigned last week. Robatto had led the club since 2024 and won 73 of 117 matches before stepping down after Bolívar drew with Deportivo La Guaira and lost to Independiente Petrolero.
Soria made his debut last weekend in a 6-0 win over Real Tomayapo in the Bolivian Championship, and he now gets the club’s first Libertadores test under his watch. José Sagredo is also available after serving a one-match ban for his sending-off in Bolívar's opening fixture.
Fluminense's Early Group Trouble
Fluminense's Group C position is shaped by the same slow start. They lost to debutants Independiente Rivadavia in the previous round after leading through Guilherme Arana, before Fabrizio Sartori and Alex Arce turned the game around. The club then beat Santos 3-2 and Chapecoense 2-1 in the Brasileirão and drew 0-0 with Operário-PR in the Copa do Brasil.
Bolívar have their own fitness issues. Robson and Patrício Rodríguez have been working their way back from recent injuries, which leaves Soria balancing the home advantage against a squad still finding its rhythm. The result will shape whether either side can stay within reach of the knockout places after two rounds left both looking for a first win.
