The ½ finals were even better geographically – both were local derbies: in Santa Cruz Oriente Petrolero seemingly overcome their city rivals Blooming 4-2 and 1-2. Goal-difference did not count at this stage, though. In La Paz The Strongest and Bolivar were entirely tied – both matches ended 1-1. The finalists had to be decided in one more meeting. This time Oriente Petrolero won 2-1 and The Strongest prevailed at last – 3-1.
No luck for Bolivar – the first two matches against The Strongest did not prove they were weaker. Standing, from left: Carlos Conrado Jiménez, Ricardo Troncoso, Waldino Palacios, Jesús Reynaldo, Ramiro Vargas, Edwin Céspedes.
First row: Carlos Espínola, Carlos Aragonés, Luis Gregorio Gallo, Carlos Borja, Miguel Aguilar.
Blooming tried their best, but they were a bit weaker than Oriente Petrolero during the whole season.
Championship final at last. Two-leg final. At home, The Strongest won 2-0. Oriente Petrolero took revenge when they hosted the second leg – also 2-0. Drama to the end – like the semi-finals, two matches were not enough. Decisive play-off was played on neutral ground – in Cochabamba – and Oriente Petrolero extracted minimal victory: 2-1.
Strong, but not the strongest this year. The Strongest finished second.
Excellent season for Oriente Petrolero – they won their 2nd title. It was not an easy victory, but at the end they prevailed. For a young club – they were founded in 1955 – not bad at all. Originally, they were just a workers club, named after their neighbourhood – Oriente – and their prime employment – The Bolivian oil company (YPFB). Clubs with such modest beginnings rarely go up, but this guys did, evolving into professional club. Counting titles is difficult in the Bolivian case, for there were different championships – at first, the championship of La Paz, itself moving from amateur to semi-professional status; then championship including three provinces (Torneo Integrado, including La Paz, Cochabamba, and Oruro); then national semi-professional league – and the first title in 1971 was in this tournament. Because of the many changes, even the club counts 1979 as their first national title. Yet, Bolivia lists championships – and winners – since 1914 and no matter what qualifications are given, the list is steady. According to it, Oriente Petrolero was Bolivian champion once before and this was there second title. Complicated story, but one thing was sure: Oriente Petrolero established itself among the top Bolivian clubs – and remains among them to this very day.