The highly anticipated match between Barcelona de Ilhéus and Athletic Club is set for February 25, 2025, at 19:30 (Brasilia Time) at the Estádio Municipal Waldomiro Borges, popularly known as Waldomirão, located in Jequié, Bahia. This encounter marks the Copa do Brasil debut for Barcelona de Ilhéus, who are eager to make their mark on the national stage.
After securing their place in the elite Campeonato Baiano, Barcelona de Ilhéus looks to build momentum. The team finished eighth in the state championship and struggled throughout the campaign, managing only one win. The performance left them with nine points from nine matches. Their coach, Adriano de Souza, will field his strongest lineup, aiming to surprise their more seasoned opponents. Notably, the team is dealing with no significant injuries, which could boost their chances of success. The expected starting eleven includes Rafael Copetti; Lídio, Kaefer, Júnior, and Gabriel; Lucas, Felipe, and Marlon; João Pedro, Gabriel, and Bruno.
On the other side, Athletic Club arrives with momentum from their recent performance at the Troféu da Confidência, where they secured their place by defeating Democrata GV, allowing them to continue their quest for silverware. Athletic Club, known for their solid tactical organization and teamwork, aims to replicate last year’s success where they advanced past the first round of the Copa do Brasil. Under the guidance of coach Roger Silva, the team’s probable lineup features Diego Vítor; Wesley Gasolina, Sidimar, Edson, and Yuri Silva; Diego Fumaça, Amorim, and David Braga; Welinton Torrão, Alason Carioca, and Lincoln.
The stakes of this matchup are high, as the winner will move forward to face Grêmio in the next round. Both clubs are familiar with the pressure of knockout games, but this will be the first encounter between the two teams, adding to the allure of the matchup. For Barcelona de Ilhéus, this match is especially significant, serving as their first opportunity to showcase their talent on the broader national stage.
The lack of television broadcast may disappoint some fans, but many sports platforms and social media channels will provide real-time updates and coverage, ensuring supporters can stay engaged with the match's progression. Excitement is palpable among players and fans alike as they prepare for what promises to be an action-packed game.
While Barcelona de Ilhéus approaches the game with determination to leverage their home advantage, Athletic Club will enter the match with tactical precision and confidence borne from their most recent victory. The financial incentives for advancement also loom large, with the potential prize money being significant for both clubs—1 million reais for Barcelona de Ilhéus and 1.5 million for Athletic Club should they progress to the second phase.
The match is not just about winning but about pride and opportunity. Fans of both clubs know this could serve as the turning point for Barcelona de Ilhéus after their challenging season, whereas Athletic Club aims to revive their fortunes after their early state elimination.
With both clubs meeting for the first time, anticipation is building as they aim to write the next chapter of their histories. Will the underdogs, Barcelona de Ilhéus, rise to the occasion, or will Athletic Club prove too strong? We'll find out when they take to the pitch on February 25.