Willian José scores for Bahia with a brilliant assist, and the match continues in Libertadores

The match between The Strongest and Bahia in the 2025 Conmebol Libertadores remains intense at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz, Bolivia. In a game filled with midfield battles and crucial moments for both teams, Bahia took the lead in the 23rd minute of the second half with a goal from Willian José, after a spectacular assist that dismantled the Bolivian defense. The goal brought renewed energy to the Brazilian team, which now seeks to consolidate its advantage and move forward in the competition.

The game continues with increasing intensity, and the tactical substitutions by both managers reflect different strategies for the final moments. Despite playing with one less player since the first half, The Strongest remains aggressive, searching for spaces to equalize. Meanwhile, Bahia is controlling possession and pace, aiming to manage their lead without abandoning attacking opportunities.

The score remains 1-0 in favor of Bahia, but the match is far from decided. With the high altitude of La Paz affecting the players’ stamina, physical endurance and adaptability will be key factors in determining the outcome.

Willian José’s goal shifts the momentum in Bahia’s favor

At the 23rd minute of the second half, Willian José found the back of the net, putting Bahia ahead. The striker received a perfect assist, finishing confidently to score a potentially crucial goal for Bahia’s Libertadores campaign. The Brazilian side had already created several dangerous chances, and they finally managed to capitalize on a well-constructed play.

Key moments from the second half so far:

• Minute 20: The Strongest scored a header, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
• Minute 18: After a cross from Juba, Willian José let the ball pass to Lucho Rodríguez, but the Bolivian defense recovered.
• Minute 16: Kanu attempted a spectacular volley inside the box, but the ball deflected off the defense and went out for a corner.
• Minute 14: Jusino received a yellow card after a harsh tackle on Lucho Rodríguez.
• Minute 11: Goalkeeper Marcos Felipe made a costly mistake when trying to control a back pass, conceding a corner.

23’/2ºT | MACHUQUE ELES, WILL!!! Cauly faz bela jogada na área, mas a finalização sai mascada e o goleiro espalma. No rebote, Willian José tava lá pra empatar em La Paz!

🎙️ ACOMPANHE A NARRAÇÃO ➡ https://t.co/k7YaSIi5qx#STRxBAH #Libertadores #BBMP #oPioneiroVoltou pic.twitter.com/478XhUFtcD

— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ecbahia) February 19, 2025

With Willian José’s goal, Bahia now has more confidence to maintain possession and avoid unnecessary risks in the final minutes.

Tactical adjustments strengthen Bahia’s control of the game

Bahia’s strategic substitutions have provided better control in midfield and added defensive reinforcement to counter The Strongest’s advances. The key changes made so far include:

• Everton Ribeiro replacing Cauly, adding experience and improved ball distribution.
• Jean Lucas coming in for Rodrigo Nestor, strengthening Bahia’s defensive presence in the midfield.

The tactical shift highlights Bahia’s plan to balance defensive solidity with counter-attacking opportunities, ensuring they do not lose control of the game.

The Strongest pushes forward, but Bahia holds firm

Despite playing with ten men since the first half, The Strongest continues to apply pressure, searching for an equalizer. The Bolivian side has increased their offensive intensity after conceding the goal, relying on long-range shots and aerial duels.

Meanwhile, Bahia remains composed, focusing on counter-attacks to exploit the gaps left by their opponents. The Brazilian defense has shown strong positioning, especially in dealing with The Strongest’s aerial threats.

First half recap: Bahia dominated but conceded first

During the first half, Bahia started stronger, imposing an offensive rhythm and creating clear goal-scoring chances. Early on, Caio Alexandre struck the crossbar, and the team forced the Bolivian goalkeeper Banegas into several difficult saves.

However, The Strongest surprisingly took the lead in the 38th minute through Guerrero, who received a precise pass and finished clinically. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review. In the final seconds before halftime, Ademir had a golden opportunity to equalize but failed to convert from close range.

Key moments from the first half:

• Minute 5: Ursino received a red card after a reckless challenge on Gilberto, reducing The Strongest to ten men.
• Minute 14: Arrascaita forced Marcos Felipe into a save with a powerful header.
• Minute 38: Guerrero’s goal was validated after a VAR check, giving The Strongest a 1-0 lead.
• Minute 48: Ademir missed a clear chance to equalize from inside the six-yard box.

Despite their numerical advantage, Bahia struggled to break down The Strongest’s defense in the first half but found their breakthrough in the second period.

Game remains open at 25 minutes into the second half

With 25 minutes played in the second half, Bahia leads 1-0, but the match remains highly competitive. The Strongest, even with ten men, continues to fight for an equalizer, relying on crosses and long-range efforts.

Bahia, on the other hand, is focusing on ball control and patient buildup while still looking for opportunities to extend their lead. The team’s defensive structure has held up well, frustrating The Strongest’s attacking attempts.

Key match statistics so far

• Possession: Bahia 57% x 43% The Strongest
• Total shots: Bahia 8 x 6 The Strongest
• Fouls committed: Bahia 9 x 11 The Strongest
• Yellow cards: Bahia 1 x 2 The Strongest
• Red cards: The Strongest 1 (Ursino)

With the high altitude affecting the tempo, endurance and strategic substitutions will play a vital role in the final stretch of the game.