Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: To heal properly, the bandage had to be removed from the cut and replaced with ointment, as the _ was potent in curing the infection.

Choice 1: To heal properly, the bandage had to be removed from the cut and replaced with ointment, as the bandage was potent in curing the infection.
Choice 2: To heal properly, the bandage had to be removed from the cut and replaced with ointment, as the ointment was potent in curing the infection.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
2
2.