Santiago Rodríguez, the 25-year-old Uruguayan attacking midfielder, has made headlines not for joining Bahia but for his recent transfer to Botafogo. Announced late on Saturday, September 22, the deal saw Rodríguez move from New York City FC to the Brazilian club for $15 million, plus potential add-ons worth $2 million. This transfer, which had been the subject of speculation for months, particularly since City Football Group's acquisition of Bahia’s football club structure, has left many Bahia supporters disappointed.
Despite the setbacks of missing out on Rodríguez, Bahia fans had something to cheer about the same day as the team accomplished its goal of securing second place in the Campeonato Baiano by defeating Juazeirense 2-0 at the Arena Fonte Nova. The match commenced with Bahia exerting strong offensive pressure from the get-go, with Tiago scoring just six minutes after kickoff, beautifully heading the ball past Juazeirense's goalkeeper from Michel Araújo's assist.
Throughout the first half, Bahia dominated, registering 13 attempts but couldn't manage to convert their chances, with players like Erick and Cauly missing golden opportunities. The second half saw Cauly double the advantage with a brilliant goal after receiving the ball at the edge of the box, dribbling past defenders, and delivering a low strike to the bottom corner.
Adding to the excitement of the day, Bahia’s new jersey, "Bahia de Todas as Artes," was officially launched. The kit celebrates the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Bahia, showcasing designs inspired by local craftsmanship and culture. Made with earthy tones, the uniform features elements representing iconic symbols of Bahia, such as carrancas and guitars, marking not just a sportswear release but also honoring the cultural identity of the region. Fans eagerly anticipated the debut of this jersey during the match against Juazeirense, making the occasion even more significant.
Post-match, coach Rogério Ceni commented on the upcoming challenges, particularly the Libertadores clash against The Strongest scheduled for September 25. He expressed his thoughts on balancing the strategies needed for both the local league semifinals against Jacuipense and the international fixture. "Nós não conseguimos pontuar o suficiente para mandar o segundo jogo em casa. Vamos fazer o melhor possível para que a gente consiga, novamente, chegar à final," said Ceni, reflecting on the team's intent to secure victories.
Rogério Ceni continued on the upcoming South American encounter, asserting the importance of maintaining focus and composure against The Strongest's potent attack. "Todo mundo sabe mais ou menos como a gente joga, as características de jogo que temos. Temos que vencer com inteligência para superar esses desafios," he noted, underscoring the intensity required for Libertadores matches, which often present unique pressures and rivalries.
Bahia's impressive performance against Juazeirense sets the tone for the pivotal week ahead. With fans rallying behind the club, the hope remains high for capitalizing on their newfound momentum, aiming for success both locally and on the continental stage. It’s clear this season will be one to watch as Bahia navigates the dual demands of league play and international competition.