On February 18, 2025, the long-awaited match between Bahia and The Strongest took place as part of the Copa Libertadores, marking the return of Bahia to this prestigious tournament after 36 years. Scheduled for 21:30 Brasilia time at the Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, the game was set against the backdrop of altitude challenges and historical significance for Bahia fans.
Under the management of Rogério Ceni, Bahia arrived at this match with remarkable form, holding an unbeaten record for the year. With six wins and two draws across their first eight games, the team was ready to settle the score against their Bolivian rivals. The Strongest, led by coach Antônio Carlos Zago, was preparing to leverage the high altitude of La Paz, having not lost to Brazilian teams at home for over ten years.
The match itself represented not only a fierce competition on the field but also Bahia's quest to make their mark on the continental stage. Both teams knew the importance of this first leg, especially since the winner would proceed to face the victor of the upcoming match between Boston River and Ñublense.
The starting lineups featured some key players for both sides. The Strongest were expected to field Rodrigo Banegas, Fran Supayabe, and Enrique Triverio among others. Bahia anticipated placing Marcos Felipe or Danilo Fernandes at the goal, supported by Gilberto, Kanu, and Santiago Mingo on defense, with creative midfielders like Éverton Ribeiro and Ademir driving the attack. Unfortunately, both teams faced some player absences, with Bahia missing Iago Borduchi and Kayky, and The Strongest without Jeyson Chura and Juan Salvador Mercado.
Hebert Conceição, the Olympic boxing champion and Bahia supporter, captured the moments leading up to the match by filming himself testing his lungs at the high altitude of La Paz. Arriving two days prior to the game, Hebert shared his experiences of running around the stadium to acclimatize, documenting the struggles of teams like Bahia who are no strangers to the unique challenges posed by the elevations.
The coverage of the match was made accessible to fans back home through streaming services. For those without subscriptions, Paramount+ offered a free trial week for viewers wanting to catch the important clash. Fans were guided on setting up their accounts to enjoy the match without initial charges, ensuring they didn't miss out on this historic event.
Historically, Bahia's engagement with the Libertadores promised intense matches, and the duel against The Strongest was expected to be no different. The strategic challenges posed by altitude can heavily influence the game's pace, with both teams likely adjusting their gameplay to suit the conditions. Coach Rogério Ceni emphasized the need to manage player fatigue as the team faces exhausting schedules with potential for up to 89 games this season.
Finally, as the kickoff approached, anticipation buzzed not just within the team, but among the fans who recognized the historical significance and the stakes involved. The Bahia squad aimed to secure a favorable result on enemy territory, setting the stage for the decisive second leg back at Arena Fonte Nova.
With both teams prepared, the excitement surrounding this clash epitomized the spirit of competition, fortifying the narrative of enduring legacy and the fervor of Brazilian football on the world stage.