Ceni celebrates Bahia's qualification and projects a place in the group stage: 'Next dream'

Bahia wrote another page in its international history. On Tuesday night (25), Tricolor de Aço beat The Strongest 3-0 at Fonte Nova and advanced to the third preliminary phase of the Copa Libertadores.

Coach Rogério Ceni recalled the good performance in La Paz, in the draw achieved at altitude. In addition, he valued what Bahia presented in both matches, even with the difficulties in creating opportunities in the first minutes of the game in Salvador.

"I think we have to value what we did there, especially in the first half, and the team that was focused the whole time here. They struggled a bit to get their chances in the first half. They got the lead goal, the sending off and then at the beginning of the second half they decided the score. I think that in the end we slowed down a lot, we should have kept trying to score goals against the opponent, we passed the ball around a lot. But we achieved our objective, the players managed to take Bahia to the next phase", he highlighted.

Players' merit

The Tricolor received many compliments for its performances. At altitude, it was not afraid, it went all out and had chances to come out with the victory. In Salvador, it dominated the entire match and did not give its opponent any opportunities. Ceni gave credit to the players and praised the reinforcements that allow the team to maintain the high level for longer in the matches.

"I think it's more about the players' dedication than ours. And it's the only way to stay alive in the Copa Libertadores or do well in the championships we play in. The excitement is great, everyone scoring. I also want to highlight this year's signings that give us a chance, even if we don't improve the starting lineup much, but we manage to maintain our level for longer, we stay alive for longer in the game."

Next step with Bahia

Bahia's qualification reminded Rogério Ceni of his days playing in the Libertadores. The coach emphasized the size of his participation in the tournament and also planned the next step to be taken with the Tricolor de Aço shirt.

"I've been able to play in this competition more than a hundred times, as an athlete and coach. And I can say that when you see the 'Eternal Glory' plaque, and it really is eternal, because you are remembered for winning this competition forever, I'm happy to experience this situation again. It's exciting for us to come to a competition like this, imagine for players who have never played and are having the opportunity this year. My next dream is to see Bahia in the group stage of the competition. That's the next step I hope to take on the 12th, to give an interview with Bahia in the group stage," he said.

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