Peru vs Bolivia Match Recap - Dec 21, 2025

Peru Dominates Bolivia 2-0 in Friendly, Signaling a Turnaround for the Incas

Peru's 2-0 victory over Bolivia marks a significant shift in momentum for a team that has struggled in recent outings. After a string of disappointing results, including four losses in their last five matches, this win provides a much-needed boost to their confidence and morale. The late goals from Piero Magallanes and Bassco Soyer not only sealed the match but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad, suggesting that Peru may be finding its rhythm just in time for upcoming challenges.

Possession statistics reveal Peru's control over the match, with a commanding 57% possession compared to Bolivia's 43%. This dominance allowed Peru to dictate the pace and flow of the game, a stark contrast to their previous performances where they often struggled to maintain control. The ability to outpass Bolivia, with 128 total passes against their opponent's 97, indicates a more cohesive unit under pressure, showcasing improvements in their midfield dynamics.

Defensively, Peru's backline held firm against Bolivia's attempts, which were limited to just three shots. This is particularly noteworthy given that Bolivia had previously shown flashes of offensive potential, albeit inconsistently. The fact that Peru managed to keep a clean sheet speaks volumes about their defensive organization, especially considering their recent struggles against stronger opponents. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese continues to build on his form, having made crucial saves in prior matches, and his leadership at the back was evident throughout this encounter.

Bolivia's recent form has been troubling, with three consecutive losses leading into this match. Their inability to convert chances into goals has been a recurring theme, as evidenced by their lack of shots on target against Japan and South Korea in previous friendlies. Despite having moments of possession, Bolivia's offensive output remains concerning; they failed to register a single shot on goal against Peru. This trend underscores the need for a tactical overhaul as they prepare for future fixtures.

The contrasting narratives of both teams are striking. Peru's resurgence is marked by the emergence of players like Magallanes, who scored his first goal for the national team, and Soyer, who capped off the scoring in stoppage time. Their contributions signal a potential turning point for a squad that has been searching for consistency. Meanwhile, Bolivia must confront the reality of their current form and find ways to reinvigorate their attack.

Recent matches have shown that while Peru has struggled offensively, they have managed to create opportunities-albeit not converting them effectively until now. The victory against Bolivia could serve as a catalyst for further improvement, especially with key players like Christian Neira and Matías Succar beginning to find their footing again. The combination of youth and experience within the squad may finally be coalescing into a more effective unit.

Bolivia's reliance on individual brilliance has not yielded results lately. Players like Robson Matheus, who previously shone in qualifiers, have been unable to replicate that form consistently. The lack of cohesion in their attacking play has left them vulnerable, and today's match only exacerbated those issues. With only one goal scored in their last five matches, Bolivia must reassess their strategy moving forward.

The implications of this match extend beyond mere statistics; it represents a psychological shift for Peru as they look ahead. The confidence gained from this victory could be pivotal as they prepare for more competitive fixtures. For Bolivia, however, the path forward appears fraught with challenges unless they can address their offensive deficiencies and find a way to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

In summary, Peru's 2-0 win over Bolivia serves as both a relief and a potential turning point for the Incas. With key players stepping up and a newfound sense of control in matches, they may be poised for a resurgence as they head into future competitions. Conversely, Bolivia faces an uphill battle to regain form and find solutions to their ongoing struggles in front of goal. The narrative of this friendly match encapsulates the broader themes of resilience and redemption that define international football at this level.