Nacional Potosí vs. Botafogo: Libertadores Clash in High Altitude

Potosí, Bolivia – Botafogo faces a significant challenge on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as they kick off their CONMEBOL Libertadores campaign against Nacional Potosí. The first leg of the second preliminary phase will be played at the Estadio Victor Agustín Ugarte, located nearly 4,067 meters (13,340 feet) above sea level, presenting a unique physiological hurdle for the Brazilian side.

Altitude and Preparation

The high altitude of Potosí poses a considerable challenge, impacting oxygen levels and player endurance. To mitigate these effects, Botafogo implemented a specialized logistical plan. Nine players, including goalkeeper Léo Linck, arrived in Potosí last Friday to begin acclimatizing to the conditions. The remaining squad spent the night in Sucre and will travel to Potosí by 4×4 vehicles, a journey of approximately three hours, a strategy previously employed by other Brazilian clubs.

Team News and Absences

Botafogo enters the match with a string of five consecutive defeats and a notable number of absences. Key players Danilo (midfielder) and Arthur Cabral (forward) are unavailable due to medical reasons, adding to a total of eight players sidelined:

• Kaio Pantaleão (left knee injury)
• Marçal (right knee strain)
• Allan (under treatment)
• Danilo (medical issues)
• Santi Rodríguez (right knee)
• Joaquin Correa (transition)
• Arthur Cabral (medical issues)
• Chris Ramos (injury)

Opponent Profile: Nacional Potosí

Nacional Potosí qualified for the Libertadores by winning the Copa Paceña, defeating Bolívar 4-1 in the final held in La Paz. This will be their second appearance in the competition; their first was in 2023, where they were eliminated in the first preliminary phase after losses to El Nacional (6-1 in La Paz and 3-1 in Quito).

Match Details

• Date: February 18, 2026
• Time: 9:30 PM (Brasília time)
• Venue: Estadio Victor Agustín Ugarte, Potosí, Bolivia
• Referee: Augusto Aragón (EQU)
• Assistants: Ricardo Baren (EQU), Dennys Guerrero (EQU)
• Fourth Official: Yerson Zambrano (EQU)
• VAR: Gabriel González (EQU), Byron Romero (EQU)

Starting Lineups

Nacional Potosí

Galindo; Baldomar, Ávila, Restrepo, Pavia; Orellana, Otormin, William Álvarez; Hoyos, Maxi Núñez, Tobar – Coach: Leonardo Égüez.

Botafogo

Leo Linck; Mateo Ponte (Justino), Bastos, Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Newton, Wallace Davi (Jordan Barrera), Alex Telles; Villalba, Kadir, Álvaro Montoro – Coach: Martín Anselmi.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, Disney+, and GETV on YouTube.