O’Higgins vs Bahía: Controversial Penalty Sparks Outrage in Libertadores Qualifier

Rancagua, Chile – A controversial penalty decision overshadowed O’Higgins’ Copa Libertadores qualification match against Bahia on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, leaving the Chilean side frustrated despite a spirited performance. The match, played in Rancagua, ended in a 2-1 victory for Bahia, but the manner of the second goal has sparked outrage among O’Higgins supporters and officials.

Bahia took the lead early in the contest, putting immediate pressure on the home side. However, O’Higgins responded with determination, seeking to leverage the energy of their home crowd. The game’s turning point arrived just before halftime when Argentinian referee Maximiliano Ramírez awarded a penalty to Bahia following a challenge by Felipe Faúndez on Erick Pulga. The decision was met with immediate and vociferous protests from the O’Higgins players, who questioned the validity of the call.

The controversy centers around the nature of the contact. Reports indicate the challenge appeared minimal, leading to accusations of a soft penalty. The ensuing spot-kick was converted, extending Bahia’s advantage to 2-0. The incident clearly rattled O’Higgins, who entered the second half needing to quickly regain their composure.

O’Higgins demonstrated resilience after the break, pulling a goal back through Arnaldo Castillo in the 54th minute. Castillo’s strike ignited the home support and injected renewed belief into the Chilean side. The goal set up a tense final period, with O’Higgins pushing for an equalizer to level the tie.

The match ultimately appeared to be heading towards a penalty shootout, a testament to O’Higgins’ fighting spirit in the face of adversity. The disputed penalty decision, however, remains the dominant talking point. The incident raises questions about the consistency of officiating in the Copa Libertadores and the impact of VAR – which, according to reports, did not intervene in the situation – on crucial moments in the competition.

The first leg, played on February 18, 2026, saw O’Higgins secure a narrow 1-0 victory in Rancagua, giving them a slight advantage heading into the second leg in Brazil. That initial win, fueled by a precise finish in the opening minutes, energized the team and their fans. However, the events in Bahia have significantly altered the complexion of the tie.

The outcome of the qualification round is crucial for both clubs. A place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores represents a significant financial boost and a platform to compete against some of the continent’s elite teams. For O’Higgins, it would be a rare opportunity to test themselves on the biggest stage in South American club football. Bahia, a well-established Brazilian side, will be aiming to progress deep into the tournament.

The controversy surrounding the penalty is likely to linger, with O’Higgins officials potentially lodging a formal complaint with CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation. Whether any action will be taken remains to be seen. The focus now shifts to the potential for a penalty shootout to decide the fate of both teams, a scenario that adds another layer of drama to an already captivating Copa Libertadores qualification battle.

The match highlights the fine margins that often separate success and failure in continental competitions. While O’Higgins showed commendable character to respond after falling behind, the contentious penalty decision ultimately proved to be a pivotal moment, leaving their Libertadores hopes hanging in the balance.