Nacional Potosí defeated Botafogo 1-0 on February 18, 2026, at the Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte in Potosí, Bolivia. This match was the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Second Qualifying Phase.
Match Overview
Playing at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, Nacional Potosí utilized the conditions to pressure Botafogo from the start. Botafogo adopted a defensive, counter-attacking strategy but ultimately left “empty-handed” after failing to capitalize on clear scoring opportunities.
Key Moments
- Goal: The only goal of the match was scored by Baldomar in the early moments of the second half with a header.
- Botafogo’s Chances: Before the goal, Matheus Martins missed a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper. Later, Montoro hit the post from close range after receiving a cross in the area.
- Offside Call: Potosí found the net a second time late in the game, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
- Fatigue: Both teams showed significant signs of fatigue in the final stages, leading to a back-and-forth but scoreless conclusion to the match.
Match Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 (Qualifying Round 2) |
| Date | February 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte, Potosí |
| Referee | Augusto Bergelio Aragón Bautista |
| Botafogo Debut | First match of the 2026 Libertadores campaign |
The return leg is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Brazil. The winner of the series will advance to the third phase of the tournament.
Betting Review
The 1-0 victory for Nacional Potosí over Botafogo on February 18, 2026, served as a significant “underdog” result for bettors, primarily driven by the extreme altitude of Potosí (4,000m). While Botafogo entered as the overall favorite to qualify for the next round (odds of 1.28), Nacional Potosí was the slight favorite to win this specific home leg.
Market Performance
| Betting Market | Pre-Match Odds (Avg) | Outcome | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result (1X2) | Home: 2.25, Draw: 3.35, Away: 3.10 | 1 (Home Win) | Won |
| Correct Score | 7.50 (+650) | 1-0 | Won |
| Total Goals (O/U 2.5) | Under: 1.85, Over: 1.90 | Under (1 goal) | Won |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes: 1.60, No: 2.20 | No | Won |
Key Betting Insights
- The Altitude Factor: Bookmakers accurately priced Nacional Potosí as the favorite for the home leg (2.20 to 2.30) despite Botafogo’s superior squad value, reflecting the historical difficulty Brazilian teams face at high altitudes.
- Correct Score Value: The 1-0 scoreline was one of the most favored “correct score” outcomes for a home win, typically offering a payout of roughly 7.5 to 1 (+650).
- Failed Tips: Popular pre-match tips, such as “Botafogo won’t lose” (Double Chance X2 at 1.62) and “Both Teams to Score,” failed as Botafogo was unable to convert several clear scoring opportunities.
- In-Play Scoring: For live bettors, the trend of Nacional Potosí scoring in the second half (odds of 1.70) was successful, as Baldomar’s winning header came shortly after the break.
Updated Qualification Odds
Despite the first-leg loss, Botafogo remains the heavy favorite to advance to the Third Phase when the series moves to Rio de Janeiro on February 25, 2026.
- To Qualify (After 1st Leg): Botafogo RJ (1.45) vs. Nacional Potosí (2.75).