Botafogo x Nacional Potosí: looking to turn around Nilton Santos, earning a place in phase 3 of the Liberadores

The Estádio Nilton Santos will be the stage for a decisive night for the Rio club’s international aspirations this Wednesday, February 25th. The team led by coach The expectation is for packed stands to push the team in search of classification.

The 1-0 defeat in the first game means that Alvinegro needs to win by two or more goals to advance directly to the third phase of the continental competition. Caso the home team wins by just one goal, regardless of the score, the place will be decided in a penalty shootout. Qualquer draw or victory for the visitors eliminates the Brazilian team from the tournament.

Important returns and doubts in the lineup

Para In this vital clash, the coaching staff gains significant reinforcements that could be decisive in breaking through the opponent’s blocks. Arthur Cabral and Joaquín Correa are recovered and available to Anselmi, offering more offensive alternatives and international experience to the squad. The presence of running pieces is seen as essential to control anxiety in an elimination game.

The main unknown in the starting lineup involves midfielder Danilo, who is dealing with muscle wear after the sequence of games in the state championship. The athlete must be evaluated until moments before the ball rolls, but the tendency is for him to sacrifice himself given the importance of the duel. If he does not meet the conditions, Wallace Davi is prepared to take on the role alongside Newton in the containment sector.

The defensive system must maintain the base that has been operating, with Léo Linck in goal and a defense line composed of Mateo Ponte, Bastos and Alexander Barboza. Nas laterals, the responsibility of supporting the attack and composing quickly falls on Vitinho and Alex Telles, key pieces in the transition to provide the likely offensive trio formed by Barrera, Montoro and

Opponent strategy and arbitration

Nacional Potosí arrives at Rio from Janeiro rested, as they have not played official matches since the first meeting between the teams. Coach Leonardo Eguez must put together a cautious scheme, prioritizing the occupation of spaces and exiting at speed with Willan Álvarez. The Bolivian team is betting on the solidity of its defensive line, led by Restrepo and Amarilla, to hold off the initial pressure from the Brazilians.

The match will be refereed by the Chilean Piero Maza, assisted by his compatriots José Retamal and Miguel Rocha. The video referee (VAR) will be operated by Juan Lara, also from Chile. The match will be broadcast live across the country via ESPN channels, in addition to the streaming platforms Globoplay and ge tv.