Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo in the CONMEBOL Libertadores promises an intense match, with the altitude of Potosí and the weight of facing the continental champion as major protagonists.
Match context
Nacional Potosí hosts Botafogo in the first leg of Phase 2 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores at the Víctor Agustín Ugarte Stadium in Potosí, Bolivia.
The match will kick off on February 18 or 19, 2026 (depending on the country) and marks Nacional Potosí’s debut in this stage of the competition against the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions.
Date, time and stadium
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Stadium: Victor Agustín Ugarte, Potosí, Bolivia, approximately 3,800 meters above sea level.
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Approximate capacity: 35,000 fans.
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Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, local night.
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Estimated time: 8:30 PM Bolivia time, 7:30 PM Ecuador time, around 00:30 UTC.
Importance of the match for Nacional Potosí
Nacional Potosí seeks to consolidate its international growth after recent strong performances in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores.
The club aims to capitalize on its home advantage at altitude and dreams of a historic qualification for the next round.
International background of Nacional Potosí
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It competes more and more frequently in CONMEBOL tournaments.
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Record strong results at home:
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2-0 against Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana.
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4-1 to Fortaleza in Sudamericana.
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4-1 to Fortaleza and 2-1 to Sportivo Trinidense in Cup
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They struggle more as visitors against Brazilian and Argentinian teams.
Botafogo: champion of America and under pressure
Botafogo arrives as the 2024 Libertadores champion, but is going through an inconsistent period at the start of 2026.
The Brazilian club feels obligated to advance and defend its continental prestige, despite the adverse context of the altitude.
Botafogo’s football moment
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The season begins with solid victories in local tournaments.
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Then he went on a negative streak of five consecutive defeats against strong Brazilian rivals.
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The team divides its delegation to better adapt to the altitude and reduce the physical impact.
Height factor: Nacional Potosí’s greatest weapon
The altitude of Potosí becomes a determining factor and dictates the pace of the game from the first minute.
Nacional Potosí feels comfortable attacking with intensity, while Botafogo manages their energy and is careful with their substitutions.
How does altitude affect Botafogo?
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The equipment fatigues faster and reduces constant high pressure.
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The coach carefully measures the moments to advance the lines.
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Shots from mid-range and set pieces from Nacional Potosí gain value.
Possible lineups and tactical systems
Previous reports indicate offensive schemes, but with nuances due to the altitude and the two-legged format.
Probable system of National Potosí
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Basic formation: 3-5-1-1.
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Three center backs to protect the area and free up wingers.
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Numerous midfield that presses high and pushes forward.
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A free-roaming attacking midfielder who connects with the number nine.
Botafogo’s probability system
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Basic formation: 3-4-2-1.
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A back three to control counterattacks.
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Two creative attacking midfielders behind the centre forward.
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Laterals who climb with caution due to physical exhaustion.
Table: Key match data
Given |
Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo |
|---|---|
| Competition | CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2026 |
| Phase | Second Phase, first leg |
| Stadium | Victor Agustín Ugarte |
| City | Potosí, Bolivia |
| Approximate height | 3,800 m s. n. m. |
| Estimated capacity | 35,000 aficionados |
| Date | February 18-19, 2026 |
| Approximate local time | 20:30 Bolivia |
| Format | Home and away matches, away goals according to the current tournament regulations |
Head-to-head record between Nacional Potosí and Botafogo
The two clubs are facing each other for the first time in an official CONMEBOL tournament.
The match marks a historic debut between the Bolivian team and the Brazilian giant in the Copa Libertadores.
Recent performance in international tournaments
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Nacional Potosí accumulates:
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Good percentage of home wins in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores.
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Large wins against Brazilian clubs when playing in Potosí.
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Botafogo regularly competes in continental tournaments and has gained experience in decisive matches.
Key points of the match for Nacional Potosí
Nacional Potosí needs to play with intensity, attack down the wings, and manage physical exertion better than their opponent.
Strengths of Nacional Potosí
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Knowledge of the altitude context.
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Good recent record against Brazilian teams at home.
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Intense support from the fans in a packed stadium.
What does Nacional Potosí need to gain an advantage?
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Accelerate in the first 60 minutes, before fatigue sets in.
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Take advantage of every free kick and corner with many players in the area.
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Maintain defensive concentration to avoid conceding away goals.
Key points of the match for Botafogo
Botafogo seeks to control the pace, reduce errors and leave Potosí with a manageable result for the return leg in Brazil.
Botafogo’s strengths
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A team with talent and international experience.
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Individual quality in the attacking midfielders and the centre forward.
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Ability to come back from behind in series when playing at home.
What does Botafogo need at altitude?
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Pause the game and maintain possession.
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Avoid blow-for-blow exchanges.
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Choosing the right moments to attack with several players.
Prediction and suggested bets
Analysts consider Nacional Potosí the favorite in the first leg due to the altitude and Botafogo’s inconsistent form.
The tie remains open, but the match in Potosí could be decisive in determining who advances.
Likely forecast
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Most likely result in the first leg:
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A narrow victory for Nacional Potosí or a low-scoring draw.
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Popular picks at betting sites:
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Double chance Nacional Potosí or tie (1X).
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Matches with fewer than 3.5 total goals.
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How to watch Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo in Mexico
Television rights vary by country, so it’s always a good idea to check your local guide.
In Latin America, some cable sports channels and streaming platforms usually broadcast the Copa Libertadores.
Tips for finding the transmission
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You check the sports channel schedule of your cable provider.
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Check out the official apps and platforms linked to CONMEBOL.
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Confirm the times according to your time zone in Mexico before the match.
SEO tips for betting and analyzing the match
If you are looking for useful content about “Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo prediction” or “Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo betting”, you focus your analysis on specific factors.
Key factors for your forecast
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The altitude of Potosí and its impact on Botafogo’s performance.
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Nacional Potosí’s recent home record against Brazilian teams.
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Botafogo’s run of results in the weeks leading up to the match.
Frequently asked questions about Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo
1. When do Nacional Potosí and Botafogo play in the Libertadores Cup?
This first leg of the Second Phase is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at local time, at the Víctor Agustín Ugarte stadium in Potosí, Bolivia.
2. In which stadium is Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo played?
Nacional Potosí hosts Botafogo at the Víctor Agustín Ugarte stadium, located in Potosí, a city that is almost 3,800 meters above sea level.
3. Why does the altitude favor Nacional Potosí against Botafogo?
Nacional Potosí’s players adapt better to the altitude, withstand intense effort more and maintain the pace, while Botafogo faces greater fatigue, lack of breath and less speed in the defensive return.
4. Who is the favorite in the Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo match?
In the first leg, many predictions favor Nacional Potosí due to their home advantage and the altitude. In the overall series, Botafogo remains a favorite thanks to their squad, experience, and strength when playing at home.
5. Where can I find the results and statistics for Nacional Potosí vs Botafogo?
You can check live results portals, scoreboard apps, official CONMEBOL websites and social media accounts of both clubs, where they publish the final score, goalscorers, lineups and key match data.
