Bragantino Beats Blooming 3-2 in Copa Sudamericana: Impact on River Plate’s Group H Standings

Red Bull Bragantino snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Blooming in Copa Sudamericana Group H action on April 16, 2026, with Isidro Pitta scoring the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time. The Brazilian side climbed to second place in the group with the hard-fought win at Estádio Municipal Cicero de Souza Marques in Bragança Paulista.

The match began with Blooming taking an early lead through Fernando’s penalty in the 16th minute. Bragantino responded before halftime with Ignacio Sosa’s goal in the 50th minute to make it 1-1. Roberto Hinojosa then set Blooming ahead again just before the break, scoring in the 45th minute plus one second of added time to give the Bolivian visitors a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the interval, Moises Villarroel leveled the score for Blooming with a penalty in the 53rd minute, making it 2-2. Diago Giménez restored Bragantino’s lead in the 61st minute, but the advantage didn’t last long. Isidro Pitta headed home the decisive goal in the 90th minute plus six seconds of added time, securing all three points for the home side.

The result leaves Bragantino with a record of 1-0-1 and three points, moving them into second place in Group H behind River Plate (2-0-0, six points). Blooming remains winless at 0-1-1 with one point, while Carabobo sits third with a 1-0-1 record and three points. Deportivo Recoleta is fourth with a 0-0-2 record and zero points.

Bragantino enjoyed 55.9% possession and outshot Blooming 29-11, with 11 shots on target compared to Blooming’s five. The home side earned eight corner kicks to Blooming’s five, while Tavares Da Silva made eight saves for Bragantino and Cleiton recorded three saves for Blooming. Both teams received two yellow cards each.

For Bragantino, the win provides crucial momentum as they look to advance from the group stage. Their next Copa Sudamericana match will be against Carabobo on April 23, 2026. Blooming will seek their first points when they face Deportivo Recoleta on the same date.

The victory keeps Bragantino in contention for a knockout stage berth in South America’s secondary club competition. With River Plate already holding a six-point lead after two matches, the race for the second qualifying spot remains tightly contested between Bragantino, Blooming and Carabobo.

What did you think of Bragantino’s late winner against Blooming? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football fans.