In a thrilling kickoff to the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, Bahia will host Internacional on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 19:00 (Brasilia time) at the Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. This matchup marks the first round of Group F, which also includes Nacional from Uruguay and Atletico Nacional from Colombia, who will face each other later in the evening.
Bahia enters this contest riding a wave of momentum, boasting an impressive eight-game unbeaten streak. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Corinthians in the Brasileirao on March 30, 2025. Despite the draw, the Tricolor has been formidable at home in the Libertadores, where they have never lost, recording seven wins and one draw in their last eight matches on home soil.
On the other hand, Internacional comes into this game with a strong record of their own, remaining undefeated in 13 official matches this season. After claiming the Gaucho Championship, the team faced Flamengo in their Brasileirao opener, which also ended in a 1-1 draw on March 29, 2025. With aspirations of clinching their third Libertadores title, the team is eager to make a statement in their first match of the tournament.
Bahia's head coach, Rogério Ceni, is expected to field a strong lineup, with Ronaldo (Marcos Felipe) likely starting in goal. The defensive line could include Gilberto, Kanu, Santiago Ramos, and Luciano Juba. In midfield, Ceni might opt for Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro, and Caio Alexandre, while Ademir, Luciano Rodríguez, and Erick Pulga could lead the attack. However, the team will be without key players Michel Araújo and Gabriel Xavier due to injuries, and Ademir, Kanu, Caio Alexandre, and Gilberto are currently suspended.
Internacional's coach, Roger Machado, will need to adapt to the absence of goalkeeper Rochet, who is recovering from a hand surgery following a fracture. Anthoni is set to take his place between the posts. The defensive setup may include Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho, and Bernabei, with a midfield trio of Fernando, Bruno Henrique, and Alan Patrick supporting the attack. The forward line is still uncertain, with a choice to be made between Borré and Valencia.
Fans can catch all the action live, with the match being broadcast on Disney+ Premium and ESPN 4. The atmosphere at the Arena Fonte Nova is expected to be electric, as both teams aim to secure vital points in the early stages of the tournament.
The stakes are high for both clubs, with Bahia looking to defend their home turf and extend their unbeaten run, while Internacional seeks to establish dominance in the group and kick off their campaign on a winning note. As the match approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting clash in Brazilian football.
As the teams prepare to clash, there’s a palpable sense of rivalry and excitement in the air. With both clubs having recently faced off against formidable opponents in the Brasileirao, they will be keen to translate that competitive spirit onto the continental stage. Will Bahia continue their unbeaten streak at home, or can Internacional make a statement in their return to the Libertadores?
