On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Bahia faced Nacional-URU in a crucial match for the fourth round of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. The match kicked off at 19h (Brasília time) and was highly anticipated, as Bahia sought to solidify its position at the top of Group F.
Bahia entered the match with an impressive record, leading the group with seven points from two wins and one draw. The team, managed by Rogério Ceni, was riding a wave of confidence, having secured five consecutive victories, all by a score of 1-0. Their latest triumph came against Atlético Nacional from Colombia, further boosting their morale. In contrast, Nacional-URU was struggling at the bottom of the group with only one point, desperately needing a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The starting lineup for Bahia featured Marcos Felipe in goal, with a defensive line comprising Erick, David Duarte, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba. The midfield included Caio Alexandre, Everton Ribeiro, and Jean Lucas, while the attack was led by Cauly, Willian José, and Erick Pulga. Notably, Willian José was brought in as a starter, replacing Lucho Rodríguez, while Gilberto remained sidelined due to a thigh injury, leading to Erick's makeshift position at right-back.
Nacional-URU's lineup included Luis Mejía as the goalkeeper, with Nico Rodríguez, Paolo Calione, Sebastián Coates, Julián Millán, and Gabriel Báez forming the defense. The midfield featured Lucas Villalba, Christian Oliva, Luciano Boggio, and Jeremía Recoba, while Nico López led the attack.
The match started with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Bahia aimed to leverage their home advantage, while Nacional sought to capitalize on any mistakes made by the hosts. The first half saw several opportunities for both sides, but neither could find the back of the net. Bahia had their chances, with players like Cauly and Erick Pulga testing the Nacional defense, but Mejía was up to the task, making critical saves.
As the second half commenced, Bahia finally broke the deadlock. Jean Lucas found the net early in the half, giving Bahia a 1-0 lead. The crowd erupted in celebration, sensing that their team was on the verge of securing a vital victory that could lead them to the knockout stages of the tournament. However, Nacional was not to be underestimated.
In a surprising turn of events, Nacional responded with vigor. Julián Millán equalized the score, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Bahia. The momentum shifted, and Nacional seized it, turning the tide of the match. They continued to press, and shortly thereafter, Nicolás López put Nacional ahead, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Despite Bahia's attempts to regain control, they struggled against Nacional's newfound confidence. The visitors extended their lead with a third goal, leaving Bahia in disbelief. The home team, once dominant in the match, found themselves on the back foot, unable to recover from the shock of Nacional's rapid-fire goals.
As the match drew to a close, Bahia pushed forward, desperate to salvage something from the game. They created several chances but were thwarted by Nacional's defense and the impressive performance of Mejía in goal. The final whistle blew, and Nacional emerged victorious with a stunning 3-1 comeback win.
This result left Bahia needing to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward in the tournament. While they remain atop Group F, the loss served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football and the fierce competition they face.
Looking ahead, Bahia will need to focus on their upcoming fixtures, starting with their next match in the Campeonato Brasileiro. They will aim to bounce back quickly and regain their momentum, knowing that every point counts as they strive for success both domestically and in the Libertadores.
Meanwhile, Nacional will take great confidence from this victory, as they aim to build on their performance and climb out of the bottom of the group. Their ability to perform under pressure could be pivotal as they continue their campaign in the Libertadores.
The match was broadcast live on Paramount+, allowing fans to follow the action in real-time. With both teams showcasing their talents, this encounter will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of the Copa Libertadores.
