Bahia is set to face off against The Strongest on February 18, 2025, for their Copa Libertadores opener at the famed Hernando Siles Stadium, which boasts the high altitude of La Paz, Bolivia. This opening match, kicking off at 21:30 (Brasília time), promises to present unique challenges for the Brazilian side, particularly due to the effects of playing at 3,600 meters above sea level.
The match began with unexpected intensity: just five minutes in, The Strongest's player Ursino received a red card following VAR intervention after he tackled Bahia's right-back Gilberto aggressively. Referee Guillermo Guerrero originally issued only a yellow card, but VAR official Franklin Congo recommended the review, changing the decision dramatically.
The Strongest, having not lost at home to Brazilian teams for over 12 years, enjoys several advantages, including their home ground's notorious altitude. Meanwhile, Bahia, under manager Rogério Ceni, arrives at the match buoyed by their strong performance during the Campeonato Baiano, where they've maintained their unbeaten streak with six wins and two draws, positioning themselves as vice-leaders behind their rivals, Vitória.
Being the first Brazilian team to play at this stage of the continental tournament, Bahia’s adaptation to La Paz's high altitude is pivotal. To prepare their players, Bahia implemented strategic changes, including sending goalkeepers Danilo Fernandes and Marcos Felipe to Bolivia four days earlier on February 13 to acclimatize before the rest of the squad arrived close to the match date.
According to Flávia Magalhães, Bahia's sports physician with expertise on altitude adaptation, teams typically require three weeks to acclimatize fully. Still, Bahia aimed for effective strategies to minimize negative altitude effects, which can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and even severe complications like pulmonary edema if not managed properly. "First and foremost, hydration is key. It is also beneficial to increase iron and vitamin intake," she advised, underscoring the challenges posed by playing at such heights.
Magalhães elaborated on the physiological challenges athletes face at altitude: "When operating at two thousand meters above sea level, it is common to feel nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches. Symptoms may appear six to twelve hours after arriving at high altitude." This insight reflects the actual physical toll the venue's elevation exerts on players not accustomed to it, potentially impacting their performance.
Bahia's strategy also involves dietary adjustments prior to the match, focusing on carbohydrate-rich meals to boost energy levels. They also plan to arrive at La Paz just three hours before the game to reduce any significant altitude impact.
Recent preparations have included communications with Bolívar—The Strongest's rival—to gather insights on handling the strain of high-altitude matches. By leveraging this knowledge, Bahia aims to emerge victorious against The Strongest.
Following the completion of the match, Bahia will look forward to the return leg scheduled for February 25 at their home ground, Arena Fonte Nova. This home game offers Bahia the chance to capitalize on their local support and perhaps reverse any adverse results from the first leg. How they manage to survive the harsh environmental conditions and the psychological challenges of their opponents will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The excitement around this Libertas encounter not only lies within the tactical and physical confrontations but spaces for unity and pride among fans as they rally for their team’s success on the international stage. Bahia supporters are hopeful, eager to see their team perform well regardless of the altitude challenge.
With this high-stakes opener, Bahia’s resolve and preparation will be tested as they aim to leave their mark on the Libertadores and potentially carve their path to the group stages.