In a thrilling encounter at the Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro faced off against Bahia on April 17, 2025, for the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match kicked off at 21h30 (Brasília time) and was a crucial one for both teams, each looking to improve their standings in the league.
Cruzeiro entered the match under pressure, having only managed to secure one win in their last eleven games across all competitions. Their recent form included a 1-1 draw against São Paulo and a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Internacional. With only four points from three matches, the team needed a victory to lift their spirits and climb the league table.
On the other hand, Bahia was riding a wave of confidence despite having drawn all three of their matches in the Série A so far. The team, managed by Rogério Ceni, was determined to maintain their unbeaten streak and build on their positive performances, which included a successful campaign in the state championship and a strong showing in the Copa Libertadores.
The match began with both teams showing intent. Cruzeiro, under the guidance of coach Leonardo Jardim, aimed to control possession and create scoring opportunities. The home side dominated the early exchanges, with Lucas Romero and Matheus Pereira orchestrating the midfield play. However, they struggled to convert their chances into goals.
As the first half progressed, Cruzeiro's pressure paid off. In the 32nd minute, Lucas Romero received the ball outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, giving Cruzeiro a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, who had been eager for a win after a series of frustrating results.
Despite falling behind, Bahia did not back down. They responded by ramping up their attacking efforts, with players like Everton Ribeiro and Willian José looking to find an equalizer. The visitors created several chances, but Cruzeiro's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Cássio making crucial saves to preserve the lead.
As the match continued, tensions rose. In a pivotal moment, Cruzeiro was awarded a penalty after Kaio Jorge was fouled in the box. However, Ronaldo, the Bahia goalkeeper, made a stunning save, denying Kaio Jorge and keeping his team in the game. The missed opportunity proved costly as the match progressed.
The second half saw Bahia increase their urgency, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. They exchanged passes effectively, testing Cruzeiro's backline. However, the home team remained resolute, with defenders like Fabrício Bruno and Jonathan Jesus stepping up to thwart Bahia's advances.
As the clock ticked down, both teams made substitutions to freshen up their lineups. For Cruzeiro, Fagner was replaced by Willian, while Bahia brought in Lucho for Wilian José and Everton Ribeiro for Erik. The changes injected new energy into the match, but neither team could find the decisive goal.
In the final minutes, Bahia pushed hard, launching multiple attacks. They were close to scoring on several occasions, but Cássio's heroics and the solid defensive work of Cruzeiro kept them at bay. The home crowd held their breath as the referee signaled for additional time, with Cruzeiro clinging to their narrow lead.
Ultimately, the match ended with Cruzeiro triumphing 1-0 over Bahia. The victory was a much-needed boost for the home side, lifting them to 12th place in the league standings with seven points from four matches. Meanwhile, Bahia remained in 14th place, still searching for their first win of the season after four draws.
After the match, Lucas Romero expressed his delight, stating, "We needed this win to regain our confidence. We played well and fought hard for every ball. This is just the beginning for us, and we need to build on this performance moving forward." Meanwhile, Bahia's coach Rogério Ceni acknowledged his team's struggles but remained optimistic about their potential, saying, "We showed resilience, but we need to convert our chances into goals. Our time will come, and we will bounce back stronger."
This match showcased the intensity and competitiveness of the Campeonato Brasileiro, with both teams displaying their determination to succeed. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams vie for supremacy in Brazil's top-flight football.
