Pintar Cup. Women
The Pintar Cup for women is a prestigious national knockout tournament in Bolivian women's football, organized by the Bolivian Football Federation. It brings together top women's clubs from across the country, offering a platform for intense competition and thrilling encounters in a playoff format. The event highlights the surging popularity of women's soccer in Bolivia, with teams from La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz setting the pace.
History and foundation
Launched in 2018 to boost women's football alongside its male counterpart, the Pintar Cup honors legendary player Pintar. The inaugural edition was claimed by Always Ready, while in 2022, The Strongest reached the final in a dramatic penalty shootout loss. A fun fact: the 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic but returned stronger, shattering attendance records with over 15,000 fans at the final match.
Tournament format
The tournament follows a classic knockout structure with 16 top teams from the Primera División Femenina. It kicks off with the round of 16, featuring single-leg or two-legged ties depending on the season, progressing to quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand final on neutral ground in La Paz. Extra time and penalties resolve ties, with the entire competition spanning 3-4 months amid the league schedule.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, fueled by aggressive, end-to-end play. Top scorers include Maria Fernandez of Blooming (12 goals in 2023) and Carla Rodriguez of The Strongest (9 goals). Standout players: midfielder Anastasia Lopez, a dribbling wizard with 25 assists in cup history, and goalkeeper Sofia Mendoza, who saved 8 penalties in clutch moments. The cup has been a launchpad for national team stars.