Bahia is set to face The Strongest on February 25, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time) at the Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, for the decisive second leg of their Copa Libertadores matchup. With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw, this match will determine which team advances to the next stage of the competition.
After the first leg played under the high altitude of La Paz, where The Strongest played with ten men for most of the match, Bahia now finds itself fortified by the home crowd, hoping to leverage this advantage to clinch victory. "We want to build on our home strength to secure progress to the next stage," said Bahia's head coach Rogério Ceni, highlighting the importance of fan support and familiarity with local conditions.
The stakes could not be higher—the winner of this matchup will advance to face either Boston River from Uruguay or Ñublense from Chile for the opportunity to enter the group stage of the tournament. Boston River currently leads their tie with Nublense after winning the first leg 1-0.
Bahia enters this match riding high, having achieved seven victories and three draws so far this season, making their squad tough to beat. Their latest outing saw them secure a 2-0 win over Juazeirense, and they are unbeaten across all competitions this year. "We have to keep our momentum going; the team is in good shape," Ceni added.
Meanwhile, the Bolivians have struggled with their recent form, making it tough for them to compete away from home. The team managed to grab only two victories from their last nine games, with their most recent performance resulting in a loss to Universitario de Vinto. "With the altitude behind us, we aim to take advantage of this opportunity," remarked The Strongest’s coach Antônio Carlos Zago, indicating confidence heading to the match.
Projected starting lineups include Marcos Felipe, Gilberto, Kanu, and Everton Ribeiro for Bahia, which reflects Ceni's strategy of maintaining consistency. The Strongest will rely on players like Rodrigo Banegas and Sebastián Guerrero to create attacking threats. Notably, The Strongest will be without Luciano Ursino, who was suspended after the first leg for a red card.
Key to Bahia's game will be their ability to nullify The Strongest's attacks, particularly focusing on set-pieces and counter-attacks, where they have excelled historically. Statistics show The Strongest has struggled against Brazilian teams, boasting only one victory and nineteen losses across twenty matches played on Brazilian soil.
This upcoming battle is not just about securing points; it's deeply intertwined with local pride, as 1989 marked the last time Bahia reached the group stage of the Libertadores, making this match pivotal for their fans and club heritage.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly debating the potential outcomes. Many predict Bahia might win by at least two goals, leading to recommendations for bets such as the Asian Handicap of -1.5 for the Brazilian side. "Our team is technically superior, and we should dominate from the start," suggested one local sport analyst.
For those unable to attend the match, it will be broadcast live on Paramount+, providing fans with accessible viewing options to experience the game action as it happens. The excitement is palpable as fans look forward to possibly witnessing their team stride closer to continental glory.
Tomorrow, under the lights of Arena Fonte Nova, the stage will be set. Bahia knows what’s at stake: not just victory, but securing their place back among the elite of South American football. The Strongest will aim to defy odds and carve out another unexpected chapter in their story.