Botafogo will try to achieve another positive result against LDU, this Thursday (21/08), at 19h, at Casablanca stadium, in Quito, Ecuador, for the return of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The broadcast is the Paramount+ (streaming and pay TV).
In addition to the opponent on the pitch, Botafogo will have to overcome another challenge: the 2,850 meters of altitude of the city of Quito. Under these conditions, the glorious only one victory – 62 years ago, when he beat Millonarios, from Colombia, 2-0 at the 1963 Copa Libertadores.
In addition to this victory, Botafogo has four losses and two draws playing at altitude. If you get one more equality result, Glorioso confirms the classification, after all, won the first confrontation, in Engenhão, 1-0.
🚨 | Marçal feels the altitude in Quito: “breathless on arrival”
📉 A 2,800 meters altitude, the challenge against LDU promises to be physical and mental for players.
✅ “It gave a strange feeling on arrival,” said Marçal, highlighting the need for quick adaptation.… pic.twitter.com/ZbqeNUqcMB
– 𝕮𝖆𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖉𝖔 𝕸𝖆𝖓𝖊𝖑 🔥 𝕭𝖔𝖙𝖆𝖋𝖔𝖌𝖔 (@canaldomanel_) August 20, 2025
What is the altitude that gives a difference to players?
Generally, the first effects of altitude are felt from 1.500 metros. However, it is From 2,400 meters That the human body begins to demonstrate more evident signs of extra effort: early tiredness, breathing difficulty, headache, dizziness and nausea.
In high physical requirements such as football, where cardiovascular resistance is constantly tested, the effects are accentuated. In places like La Paz (3,640m), Quito (2.850m) or Cusco (3.400m)the thin air reduces the presence of oxygen by up to 30% compared to sea level, requiring athletes to consume more energy to perform habitual movements.
Effects on the body: What really happens?
At altitude, the body needs to adapt to an environment with less oxygen. This generates what doctors call hypobaric hypoxia – A condition in which the body has difficulty absorbing sufficient oxygen. Therefore:
- The heart hits faster;
- Respiratory rate increases;
- The muscles enter fatigue faster;
- The recovery time after sprints and divided is greater;
- There is a risk of altitude acute malaisewith symptoms similar to that of a strong flu.
In the early days of exposure, the body begins to produce more red blood cells (red blood cells), trying to compensate for the lowest oxygen offer. But this process can take 7 to 10 days to take effect – unfeasible time for most sports delegations.
LDU x Botafogo: Time and where to watch
- Copa Libertadores 2025 – Eighth Final – Game 2
- Data: Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Time: 19h (from Brasilia)
- Local: Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, in Quito (Ecuador)
- Transmission: Paramount+ (streaming and pay TV)
MORE: Click here to sign the Paramount+
Botafogo lineup against LDU
Coach Davide Ancelotti will have some returns. Defender David Ricardo and striker Arthur Cabral were re -related after they were out of the last round of the Brasileirão. Both had suffered problems in the first duel against LDU, but recovered in time.
About certain embezzlement, Kaio Pantaleão, Cuiabano and Bastos are recovering after injury. Strikers Chris Ramos and Jordan Barrera were also not registered at this stage.
Probable Botafogo lineup: John; Vitinho, Barboza, David Ricardo (Marçal), Alex Telles; Marlon Freitas and Danilo; Artur, Matheus Martins (Montoro), Savarino and Arthur Cabral. Technical: Davide Ancelotti.
Botafogo hanging and suspended players
Hanging (s): –
SUSPENDED (S): –
Likely LDU lineup
Gonzalo Valle; Richard Mina, Ricardo Adé and Quiñonez; Quintero, Grume, Bryan Ramírez, Corno and Villamil; Alzugaray and Medina (road). Technical: Tiago Nunes.
