The Bahia soccer team is poised to make its much-anticipated return to the Copa Libertadores after 36 years, facing off against The Strongest this Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 21:30 Brasília time.
Under the guidance of coach Rogério Ceni, the Tricolor baiano has assembled its best squad for this important match, with players like Marcos Felipe, Everton Ribeiro, and Lucho Rodríguez expected to make significant impacts on the field. This much-awaited match will take place at the Estádio Hernando Siles, located high above sea level at 3,640 meters (11,942 feet) in La Paz, Bolivia.
The significance of tonight's match cannot be overstated, as Bahia has set its eyes firmly on qualifying for the group stage of the prestigious tournament. With ambitions high, the team's management has indicated the objective of re-entering this elite competition was among the top priorities for the current season.
This struggle for success is about more than just facing off against The Strongest; it also involves battling the elements. The altitude of La Paz presents unique challenges, having historically made it difficult for visiting teams to perform at their peak. The Bahia squad has made special preparations to acclimatize, with Ceni even sending goalkeepers Danilo Fernandes and Marcos Felipe to Bolivia several days early.
"A direção do Grupo City trabalhou a classificação para a Fase de Grupos da Libertadores como um dos principais objetivos da temporada," said Bahia management, emphasizing the importance placed on competing at this level. The team has engaged extensively to build rapport within their ranks through pre-season training camps held considerably far from their home, including stints in Girona, Spain.
Notably, the team also bolstered its lineup with strategic signings—players like the versatile midfielder Everton Ribeiro, who holds invaluable experience, having enjoyed success previously with Flamengo, clinching the Glória Eterna title twice. With Ribeiro having been part of key matches, many fans are hopeful he will play the role of leader this evening.
The match against The Strongest also marks the debut of new coach Antônio Carlos Zago, who steps onto the field bearing the weight of his team’s aspirations. There are concerns for the Bolivian team, which has not engaged in official competition since December 20, leaving them potentially out of sync compared to the well-prepared Bahia side.
"É o primeiro jogo oficial de Zago no comando," notes reports from this week. The Strongest's strategy will undoubtedly be pivotal; they have not lost at home during Libertadores matches since 2013, raising the stakes for Bahia as they seek to create history with this match.
For Bahia, the user-friendly and well-balanced approach should favor their gameplay style. Potential standout players include forwards Ademir and Erick Pulga, who have proved themselves capable and will likely capitalize on any defensive lapses from their adversaries. Meanwhile, the likelihood of Ramos Mingo partnering with Gabriel Xavier and Kanu could fortify the Tricolor's backline against The Strongest's offensive schemes.
Fans across Brazil and beyond eagerly anticipate this clash, with bookmakers placing the odds against Bahia, marking them as the underdogs with odds averaging @6.00. Can they defy expectations? Or will The Strongest's home advantage prove insurmountable? Only time will tell.
This renewal for the Bahia football club symbolizes not only the hope of resurgence but also the embodiment of their legacy, aiming to write new chapters as they take on The Strongest and challenge the status quo of Copa Libertadores.