Bahia is poised to kick off its decisive campaign in the Campeonato Baiano this Saturday, March 1, 2025, facing Jacuipense in the first leg of the semifinal at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, at 16h (local time). The Tricolor de Aço aims to leverage its home advantage to set the tone for the upcoming matches and capture the coveted state title.
After finishing the group stage in third place, Bahia understands the importance of securing not just any result, but preferably a dominant one against Jacuipense to carry momentum heading to the return leg. Coach Rogério Ceni is expected to field his strongest squad, with several key players returning from previous absences.
On the other hand, Jacuipense, who concluded the group phase as runner-up, has remained undefeated throughout the competition, boasting five wins and four draws. This impressive record allows them to head to Salvador with confidence, intending to seize advantage during the away leg. The team from the interior will look for synergy and strong defensive tactics, knowing they can afford to emerge with two draws from this semifinal to advance to the final.
Both coaches have emphasized the significance of the match. "We need to secure a good result at home to boost our chances as we head to the next leg," stated Rogério Ceni, highlighting the aggressive intent of his squad.
Rogério Ceni’s lineup is as follows: Marcos Felipe; Gilberto, Gabriel Xavier, Kanu, and Luciano Juba; Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, and Everton Ribeiro; with the attacking unit featuring Ademir, Erick Pulga, and Lucho Rodríguez. Following impressive performances, these players have the capability to dictate the pace of the match.
Meanwhile, Jacuipense’s coach, Rodrigo Ribeiro, noted, "We are confident after our great performances, and we will fight hard to take this match away from home." His squad will likely include Marcelo; Vicente, Everson, Railon, and Alex Cazumbá; together with Guilherme Rend, Borges, and Alison; with Flavinho, Caíque, and William as the forward line.
This encounter marks the return of rivalry between two sides, having previously faced each other where they ended up locked at zero goals during their group stage matchup. Fans expect high emotions and competitive play as both teams desire to secure their place at the final.
Throughout the tournament, Bahia has capitalized on their roster depth and experience from prior championships, with aspirations extending ambitiously to battles in the upcoming stages of the Libertadores. This adds layers of dilemma for Ceni, who must balance the need for victory against the risk of overexerting his players.
On the tactical front, both teams are decisive about their central midfield engagements and exploiting any defensive lapses. The effectiveness of set pieces and counterattacks will likely play a pivotal role.
Fans will be able to catch the action on TVE (public television) and streaming through their YouTube channel. It’s a prime opportunity for those following the Campeonato Baiano and its promising talents.
The excitement is palpable as the teams gear up for the highly anticipated contest on the green turf of Arena Fonte Nova, underlining Bahia's quest for glory against Jacuipense's determined fight to advance past the semifinals.
With the stage set and both teams high on motivation, there's no doubt this semifinal clash will enthrall both spectators and critics, potentially shaping the legacy of this year’s Campeonato Baiano.