In an electrifying encounter at Arena Cajueiro, the sub-17 teams of Esporte Clube Bahia and São Paulo battled to a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal on April 22, 2025. The match showcased the intensity and skill of young talents as both teams fought for a crucial advantage in the two-legged tie.
The game kicked off with an explosive start for Bahia. Just one minute into the match, Lyan capitalized on a pass from Dell, skillfully maneuvering past São Paulo's defenders before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. The early goal set the tone for what would be a high-scoring affair, with Bahia looking to build on their momentum.
Despite the early advantage, Bahia did not take their foot off the gas. Just minutes later, Dell attempted a long-range strike, but it sailed narrowly wide of the goal. At the 12-minute mark, Dell found the net again, but his goal was disallowed for offside, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
As the first half progressed, Bahia's persistence paid off. In the 22nd minute, Richarllyson capitalized on a defensive error from São Paulo, sending a header back towards the goal that fell right to Dell. With a keen eye for goal, Dell struck the ball cleanly, doubling Bahia's lead and sending the fans into a frenzy.
However, São Paulo, who came into the match boasting an impressive record of four wins and one draw in the tournament, was not to be underestimated. The Tricolor Paulista responded with determination, and their efforts bore fruit in the second half.
São Paulo launched a comeback, scoring four goals to take a temporary lead. Their first goal came in the 50th minute, which marked the start of a relentless offensive push. By the time the clock ticked to 60 minutes, São Paulo had turned the tables, going ahead by two goals.
But Bahia's young warriors, known as the Pivetes de Aço, refused to give up. In the 28th minute of the second half, Richarllyson struck again, receiving a pass just outside the area and placing a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, narrowing the deficit and reigniting Bahia's hopes.
With the clock winding down, the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch. In the 37th minute, João Henrique had a golden opportunity to bring Bahia level again but his shot flew over the bar. Yet, the comeback was not over. In a dramatic finish, Richarllyson found the back of the net once more in the dying moments of the game, equalizing the score at 4-4 after a quick free-kick caught São Paulo off guard.
Bahia's lineup featured Jampa in goal, with a defensive line comprising Palinha (substituted by Gabriel), Alessandro, Ruan Victor, and Santana. The midfield was anchored by Diego Silva, Anthony (substituted by Andrew), and Pedro Paulo (substituted by Emmanuel), while the attacking trio consisted of Lyan (substituted by João Henrique), Richarllyson, and Dell (substituted by Ryan Nascimento).
The match was not only a showcase of skill but also a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of both teams. Bahia, who had previously eliminated VF4, Fortaleza, and Juventude-MA to reach this stage, demonstrated their attacking prowess, having scored 19 goals in five matches leading up to the semifinal.
On the other hand, São Paulo, under the guidance of coach Mário Ramalho, aimed for their third Copa do Brasil title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2020. They entered the match with a solid record, having eliminated Instituto Ismaily, Athletico-PR, and Sport in their path to the semis.
The second leg of this thrilling semifinal will take place on April 29, 2025, at 15h in São Paulo, where the stakes will be even higher. With the aggregate score tied, both teams will be vying for a place in the final, and the tension is sure to be palpable. If the match ends in another draw, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming clash.
As the teams prepare for the decisive leg, fans are left to ponder what strategies their respective coaches will employ to secure victory. Will Bahia's attacking flair shine through once again, or will São Paulo's tactical discipline prevail? One thing is for sure: the stage is set for a captivating conclusion to this semifinal showdown.
