Rubio Ñu Stuns Libertad: A Sign of Shifting Power in Paraguayan Football?
Rubio Ñu secured a significant upset on February 20, 2026, defeating Libertad 1-0 in the sixth round of the Torneo Apertura. The victory, secured by a goal from Estiven Pérez, marks Rubio Ñu’s first win of the season and simultaneously highlights a growing crisis for the traditionally dominant Libertad.
Libertad’s Struggles: A Pattern Emerging?
The loss to Rubio Ñu is not an isolated incident. Reports indicate a concerning lack of direction and performance from Francisco “Chiqui” Arce’s Libertad. The team appears to be struggling to locate solutions and demonstrate any real improvement. The team’s recent form has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level this season.
Rubio Ñu’s Resilience: Punching Above Their Weight
Despite having a relatively limited squad, Rubio Ñu demonstrated resilience and tactical effectiveness against Libertad. The team successfully neutralized Libertad’s midfield, relying on the experience of players like Rodrigo Rojas, Cardozo Lucena, Willy Mendieta and Chapa Martínez. Estiven Pérez’s late goal, capitalizing on a cross from Carlos Giménez, proved decisive.
Key Players and Tactical Observations
The match revealed several key observations. Álvaro Campuzano of Libertad appeared far from his best form, while Iván Franco’s contributions were limited. Hugo Martínez also underperformed, failing to replicate his previous displays. On the Rubio Ñu side, the defensive pairing of Blasi and Vallejos were instrumental in frustrating Libertad’s attacks.
Interestingly, even the presence of national team coach Gustavo Alfaro at the stadium failed to inspire a turnaround for Libertad. This suggests deeper systemic issues within the club.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Libertad faces a challenging upcoming fixture, traveling to face Olimpia on February 25th. Rubio Ñu will host Sportivo San Lorenzo on February 26th. These matches will be crucial tests for both teams as they navigate the Torneo Apertura.
Did you know?
Estiven Pérez, the match-winner for Rubio Ñu, was a 65th-minute substitute.
FAQ
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Rubio Ñu?
A: Estiven Pérez scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.
Q: What is Libertad’s current form?
A: Libertad is currently experiencing a period of poor form and struggling to find results.
Q: Where did the match take place?
A: The match was played at La Huerta, Libertad’s home stadium.
Q: Who was the referee for the match?
A: Álvaro Giménez was the referee.
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