Nacional Potosí Faces Botafogo in Copa Libertadores Qualification

After a 1-0 victory at altitude, Botafogo hosts Nacional Potosí this Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 9:30 PM at the Nilton Santos Stadium, needing a win by at least two goals to advance to the third preliminary round of the Copa Libertadores. Over 25,000 tickets have been sold in advance for the match.

Match Details

If Botafogo wins by a single goal, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout. The winner of this matchup will face either Argentinos Juniors or Barcelona-EQU for a coveted spot in the group stage. Argentinos Juniors currently hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, played in Guayaquil, with the return leg also taking place on Wednesday at 9:30 PM in Buenos Aires.

Team News

Botafogo coach Martín Anselmi rested key starters during the weekend’s Rio Cup match against Boavista. Danilo and Arthur Cabral, who were absent from the previous two matches, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Joaquín Correa is also available and could make his debut for the club this season.

Botafogo Squad Unavailable

• Kaio Pantaleão (multiligament injury to the left knee)
• Marçal (right knee strain)
• Allan (under treatment)
• Edenilson (not registered)
• Christian Medina (not registered)
• Santi Rodríguez (right knee)
• Chris Ramos (injury)

Opponent Profile: Nacional Potosí

Nacional Potosí has secured only two wins in 13 away games in international competitions, defeating Zulia (VEN) in 2019 and Melgar (PER) in 2020. During this period, they have scored just five goals while conceding 35. Playing in Brazil, the Bolivian side has previously suffered defeats against Fluminense (3-0 in the 2018 South American) and Fortaleza (5-0 in the 2024 Sula).

Ticketing Information

More than 25,000 tickets were pre-sold, with the Lower East and Upper East sectors completely sold out. Remaining seats are available in the Lower West (R$ 120 full/R$ 60 half), Upper West A (R$ 60/R$ 30), and Upper West B (R$ 60/R$ 30) sectors and can be purchased at botafogo.com.br/ingresso. No tickets will be sold at the stadium on Wednesday.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, with Fernando Nardini providing commentary alongside Zé Elias and Rafael Marques, and Carlos Eugênio Simon analyzing the officiating. GE TV on YouTube will also stream the game with narration by Jorge Iggor and commentary from Bruno Formiga and Jordana Araújo.

Match Officials

• Referee: Piero Maza (CHI)
• Assistant 1: José Retamal (CHI)
• Assistant 2: Miguel Rocha (CHI)
• 4th Referee: Mathias Riquelme (CHI)
• VAR: Juan Lara (CHI)
• AVAR: Edson Cisternas (CHI)
• Assessor: Alicio Pena Junior (BRA)
• Quality Manager: Carlos Pastorino (URU)

Lineups

Botafogo

Botafogo: Leo Linck. Mateo Ponte, Bastos and Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Newton, Danilo and Alex Telles; Jordan Barrera (Lucas Villalba), Arthur Cabral and Álvaro Montoro – Coach: Martín Anselmi.

Nacional Potosí

Nacional Potosí: Galindo; Baldomar, Restrepo, Demiquel and Torrico; Otormin, Azogue and William Álvarez; Óscar Villalba, Hugo Rojas e Solis – Technician: Leonardo Égüez.