The Brazilian team now needs to win by two or more goals to advance to the third phase
O Bahia lost its unbeaten record in the 2026 season in the worst possible way. Apathetic at the El Teniente stadium, in Rancagua, Chile, he was at a disadvantage in the first game of the 2nd phase of the pre-Libertadores, after being defeated by O’Higgins 1-0, this Wednesday (18). The goal came four minutes into the game, with Francisco González.
Defending their invincibility at home, the Bahia now needs to win by two or more goals difference to advance to the third phase, the last one before the group stage. In the event of a new defeat or draw, the Chilean team will take the place. The duel takes place next Wednesday (25), at 7pm, at Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador.
Bahia started the match under pressure from O’Higgins and were soon surprised when Francisco González won the challenge and hit a beautiful shot into Ronaldo’s corner, four minutes into the game. The early goal destabilized the team even more Brazilian, who couldn’t keep the ball and still suffered from the Chilean attacks.
In a counterattack from the left, Rabello almost expanded. Seeing the situation, Rogério Ceni placed Caio Alexandre in midfield, with 30 minutes. The team even managed to have more possession of the ball, but nervousness still got in the way. Bahia ended the first half without any dangerous moves and with four players yellowed.
When the break came back, the panorama was the same. The Chilean team maintained its strategy of pressing in the first minutes and even expanded with Castillo, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Ademir at the origin of the play. Still unable to gain momentum in the duel, Ceni has now removed his yellow cards, so he can win the disputes without taking any risks.
The strategy, in turn, worked, gaining more offensive presence and winning the second ball. Gabriel Xavier had the Bahian team’s first best chance, with a header close to the post. However, the little good moment didn’t turn into pressure and the Chilean team regained control of the matchdictating the pace until the final whistle.
*Estadão Content
