Brasileirão Série A
Bahia come from behind to edge Vitoria in Salvador thriller
Goals from A. Veliz and Jean Lucas secure a 2-0 victory for Bahia at Estádio Manoel Barradas.
Bahia secured a 2-0 victory over Vitoria at Estádio Manoel Barradas in Salvador, with second-half goals from A. Veliz and Jean Lucas sealing all three points in this Série A clash.
The match was a cagey affair in the first half, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock. Vitoria, playing under Ventura Jair in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, while Bahia, deployed in a 4-3-3 by coach Ceni Rogerio, sought to impose their rhythm through the middle.
Vitoria’s Matheuzinho picked up a booking in the 26th minute, becoming the first player to be cautioned. Bahia’s Rodrigo followed in the 42nd minute, as tempers began to fray ahead of the break.
The second half opened with renewed intensity, and it was Bahia who broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. A. Veliz found the back of the net, with Erick Pulga providing the assist. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Bahia’s favour.
Vitoria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute Bahia defence. With the clock winding down, the home side grew more desperate, committing bodies forward in numbers.
In the 90th minute plus seven, Bahia doubled their lead. Jean Lucas scored, with Michel Araujo delivering the assist. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the visiting supporters, who had travelled in numbers to Salvador.
The final moments saw chaos at the death. Vitoria’s Caca and Bahia’s Jean Lucas both received yellow cards in stoppage time, as the intensity of the closing stages boiled over. Referee Raphael Claus struggled to maintain control as both teams exchanged heated challenges.
Despite the late drama, Bahia held on comfortably to claim the win. The result leaves them in sixth place in the Série A table with 37 points from 24 games, while Vitoria remain in 12th position with 29 points.
For Bahia, the victory provides a timely boost as they look to climb higher in the league. Vitoria, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.
The win was a testament to Bahia’s persistence and composure, particularly in the final third. With two well-taken goals and a solid defensive display, they comfortably earned the three points on the road.
Both coaches will reflect on a match that offered plenty of drama and ultimately rewarded the team that capitalized on their opportunities. Bahia’s clinical finishing in the closing stages made the difference on the day.