O’Higgins x Bahia: where to watch live, time and lineups in the Copa Libertadores By Thiago Lemos
3 min read
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Bahia begins its journey in Copa Libertadores of América 2026 this Wednesday, facing O’Higgins in Chile. The match takes place at 7pm (Brasília time) at Estádio El Teniente, at Rancagua, and is valid for the first leg of the second preliminary phase of the continental competition. Tricolor of Aço seeks to build an important advantage for the second leg, which will be held in
The Brazilian delegation arrived on Chilean soil focused on maintaining the unbeaten run that has already lasted eleven matches in the current season. Coach Rogério Ceni used an alternative team in the last match for the state championship to ensure that the starters were in full physical condition for this duel. The recent record is favorable to the Bahian team, which has consolidated itself as the only club in the national elite without defeats in the year to date.
- Confrontation: O’Higgins (CHI) x Bahia (BRA)
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Time: 7pm (Brasília) / 7pm (Local)
- Location: Estádio El Teniente, Rancagua
- Transmission: Paramount+ and Tempo Real by ge
#BahiaDay #BrocaiForWe #BBMP pic.twitter.com/ImZZ3nNyKy
—Esporte Clube Bahia (@ecbahia)February 18, 2026
Tactical preparation and embezzlement of Esquadrão
Commander Rogério Ceni will have to deal with significant absences in strategic sectors of the team for tonight’s clash. Midfielder Everton Ribeiro is the main casualty, serving an automatic suspension resulting from an expulsion that occurred in the previous edition of Copa Sul-Americana. Além of the captain, the medical department vetoed defenders Kanu and David Duarte, as well as midfielder Michel Araújo and striker
To make up for the lack in the creative sector, the coach is studying the use of Erick or Rodrigo Nestor as immediate substitutes to organize offensive plays. On the defensive line, the tendency is for Gabriel Xavier to take the starting line-up alongside Ramos Mingo, forming a defense duo never seen before in international competitions. The objective is to maintain the solidity that allowed the club to concede few goals in the first rounds of competitions played at the beginning of this year, 2026.
Home team strategy in Chile
O’Higgins arrives for the clash after an irregular start to the Chilean national championship, where they have two wins and a recent defeat to Deportes Limache. The team led by Lucas Bovaglio is betting on the home factor and the moderate altitude of Rancagua to try to surprise the Brazilian opponent. The coach chose to spare his main athletes in the previous round of the local league, aiming to provide high physical intensity from the first minutes of the first game.
The probable Chilean formation relies on the experience of goalkeeper Omar Carabalí and the creativity of Bryan Rabello in midfield to support the attack. The team usually plays with compact lines and quick transitions along the sides of the field, exploiting the speed of Francisco González. The club’s management expects a full house, as O’Higgins returns to the international scene after a hiatus of almost a decade without playing Libertadores matches.
Probable lineups and Uruguayan arbitration
Bahia’s tactical configuration should follow the usual scheme of ball possession and high pressure, even playing away from home this Wednesday. The likely lineup has Ronaldo; Román Gómez, Gabriel Xavier, Ramos Mingo and Luciano Juba; Nicolás Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Erick (or Rodrigo Nestor); Ademir, Kike Olivera and Willian José. Center forward Willian José is the main hope for goals for Tricolor fans, bringing the necessary experience for important knockout matches.
On the home team’s side, coach Lucas Bovaglio must use his maximum available strength to try to take a comfortable advantage for Brasil. The starting team must be formed by Omar Carabalí; Felipe Faúndez, Alan Robledo, Miguel Brizuela and Luis Pavez; Juan Leiva, Felipe Ogaz and Bryan Rabello; Francisco González, Martín Sarrafiore and Arnaldo Castillo. The Uruguayan referee Alberto Feres will be responsible for conducting the match, assisted by Andres Nievas and Mathias Muniz, with VAR under the command of Christian Ferreyra.
