In a thrilling opener for the Copa Libertadores, Bahia and Internacional faced off at the packed Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova on April 3, 2025. The match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils after an intense encounter. Jean Lucas put Bahia ahead in the 27th minute of the second half, only for Valencia to level the score for Inter in the dying moments of the game, scoring at the 39th minute.
The match attracted a lively crowd of 42,700 paying fans, contributing to a total attendance of 43,028, including children and corporate guests. The revenue from the match was impressive, totaling R$ 1,555,174. The breakdown of the attendance revealed that 28,836 were members of the Sócio Esquadrão, 4,157 were corporate ticket holders, and 9,707 were paying fans at the box office.
Both teams entered the match with high expectations, knowing the importance of starting strong in the group stage of the tournament. Bahia, under the guidance of coach Rogério Ceni, fielded a lineup that included Ronaldo in goal, supported by defenders Arias, Kanu, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba. The midfield featured Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro, Cauly, and Erick Pulga, with Luciano Rodríguez leading the attack.
On the other side, Internacional, coached by Roger Machado, opted for a lineup featuring Anthoni in goal, with Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho, and Bernabei in defense. The midfield was manned by Fernando, Bruno Henrique, Alan Patrick, and Wesley, with Borré as the center forward.
From the outset, the match was characterized by a high tempo, with both teams pressing for an early advantage. Inter started with aggressive marking, reminiscent of their home ground, Beira-Rio. However, they were caught off guard twice in the early minutes, allowing Bahia to launch counter-attacks. Erick Pulga and Luciano Rodríguez both had chances to score but failed to convert.
As the first half progressed, Inter began to dominate possession but struggled to find the back of the net. A critical moment came when a defensive error from Bahia allowed Vitinho a clear shot, but the goalkeeper Ronaldo made a miraculous save to keep the score level.
At halftime, the score remained 0-0, and both teams returned to the pitch with renewed vigor. The second half saw an increase in intensity, with both sides pushing hard for a breakthrough. Aguirre came close for Inter, but Ronaldo was again up to the task, thwarting the effort.
In a surprising turn, Bahia took the lead when Jean Lucas found space at the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Anthoni in goal. The stadium erupted as Bahia fans celebrated their team's moment of glory.
However, the joy was short-lived for Bahia, as Inter rallied back in the final minutes. With the clock ticking down, Bernabei delivered a well-placed cross that found Aguirre. Despite appearing to have lost control, Aguirre managed to fire a curling shot that Ronaldo could only partially save, allowing Valencia to pounce on the rebound and equalize.
The draw left both teams with one point each in Group F, trailing behind Atlético Nacional, who won their match against Nacional-URU 3-0. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for both teams as they look to secure their spots in the knockout stages of the tournament.
After the match, Roger Machado expressed his concerns regarding injuries to key defenders Vitão and Juninho. Vitão left the field limping, suffering from a left thigh adductor issue, while Juninho was substituted due to muscle pain. "We’ll have to evaluate their conditions further," Machado noted, emphasizing the need for a quick turnaround as the team prepares for their next match against Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão.
Looking ahead, Internacional will be back in action on April 6, 2025, at Beira-Rio, where they will take on Cruzeiro in a crucial league encounter. Meanwhile, Bahia will return to training, focusing on their upcoming match against Santos at Vila Belmiro.
This match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an exciting Libertadores campaign ahead. With both teams eager to improve, fans can expect more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
