Sportivo Iteno Triumph 3-2 in Paraguayan Cup Thriller Against Deportivo Capiata

Asunción, Paraguay – July 24, 2026 – In a high‑scoring Paraguayan Cup round‑of‑16 clash, Sportivo Iteno edged Deportivo Capiata 3–2 at the Estadio Juan Domínguez. The match featured five goals, a red card, and late drama, with Iteno holding on after conceding twice in the final 15 minutes.

Match Overview

Sportivo Iteno started brightly and took a two‑goal lead inside the first half hour. Striker Gustavo Velázquez opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a clinical finish after a defensive error, and midfielder Julio César Villalba doubled the advantage in the 28th minute with a curling free‑kick. Deportivo Capiata pulled one back just before halftime through a towering header from defender Juan Ángel Cáceres. Iteno restored their two‑goal cushion in the 58th minute when substitute winger Cristian Ortiz volleyed home from a cross. However, Capiata showed spirit: a penalty converted by forward Aldo Vera in the 78th minute and a looping header from Cáceres in the 89th minute set up a nervy finish, but Iteno held on.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Velázquez capitalised on a backpass to slot home.
• 28th minute: Villalba’s exquisite free‑kick curled over the wall and into the top corner.
• 44th minute: Cáceres’ header from a corner made it 2‑1.
• 58th minute: Ortiz’s crisp volley restored Iteno’s two‑goal lead.
• 78th minute: Vera scored from the spot after a handball in the box.
• 89th minute: Cáceres’ second goal set up a frantic finale.

Tactical Story

Sportivo Iteno pressed high and exploited wide areas, with full‑backs providing constant overlap. Deportivo Capiata struggled to cope with Iteno’s movement early on but adjusted after the break, pushing more men forward. The visitors’ 4‑4‑2 diamond left gaps at the back, but their aerial threat from set pieces kept them in the game. Ultimately, Iteno’s early dominance proved decisive, though their defensive frailties were exposed late.

Standout Players

• Gustavo Velázquez (Iteno): Opened the scoring and was a constant menace with his pace.
• Juan Ángel Cáceres (Capiata): Scored twice from set pieces and led the defensive line.
• Cristian Ortiz (Iteno): Came off the bench to net a crucial goal.

Season & Table Impact

Sportivo Iteno advance to the Paraguayan Cup quarter‑finals, where they will face the winner of the match between Guarani and Resistencia. For Deportivo Capiata, the cup run ends, and they will now focus on their league campaign.