As the Brazilian Serie A heats up, Santos and Bahia are set to clash this Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 20:30 (Brasília time) at the iconic Estádio Urbano Caldeira, commonly known as Vila Belmiro. This match marks the second round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro, and both teams are eager to secure their first victory in this campaign.
Santos, known affectionately as Peixe, is coming off a disappointing start to the season, having lost 2-1 to Vasco in their Serie A debut. The team, under the guidance of coach Pedro Caixinha, is looking to turn things around after a rocky beginning. With star player Neymar still sidelined due to physical conditioning, the pressure is on Tiquinho Soares to lead the attack. He will be supported by Rollheiser, who has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities.
On the other hand, Bahia enters the match with a mixed bag of results. They drew 1-1 against Corinthians in their opening match of the Brasileirão and followed that up with another 1-1 draw against Internacional in the Libertadores. Coach Rogério Ceni is hopeful that his squad can finally clinch a win on the road, especially after their strong showing in the state championship, where they were crowned Bahian champions.
Both teams have faced each other numerous times in the past, with Santos holding a slight edge in their historical encounters. Out of 60 matches, Santos has won 28, while Bahia has claimed victory 19 times, with 13 matches ending in draws. The last meeting between these two sides took place during the 2023 Brasileirão, where Santos emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.
As for the lineups, Santos is expected to field a team featuring Gabriel Brazão in goal, with a defensive line consisting of JP Chermont, Gil, Zé Ivaldo, and Escobar. The midfield is set to include João Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo, and Barreal, while the attacking trio will likely be Rollheiser, Guilherme, and Tiquinho Soares. Meanwhile, Bahia's probable lineup includes Ronaldo in goal, supported by a backline of Gilberto, Kanu, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba. The midfield will see Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, and Rodrigo Nestor, with Ademir, Erick Pulga, and Lucho Rodríguez leading the attack.
The match will also see the officiating team led by referee Alex Gomes Stefano, with assistance from Guilherme Dias Camilo and Luiz Claudio Regazone, while Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior will oversee the VAR.
Fans can catch the action live on SporTV and Premiere, making this an unmissable event for supporters of both clubs. With Santos aiming to bounce back after a disappointing start, and Bahia looking to capitalize on their recent form, this match promises to be an exciting encounter.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the stakes are high. Santos is desperate to secure their first points of the season and shake off the disappointment of their earlier results. Bahia, on the other hand, is eager to transform their draws into a victory and build momentum as they continue their campaign in both the national league and the Libertadores.
In terms of statistics, Santos has shown offensive prowess at home, scoring an impressive 15 goals in their last seven matches at Vila Belmiro, averaging over two goals per game. However, they are also facing challenges, having suffered two consecutive defeats in official matches, including their recent exit from the Paulistão semifinals against Corinthians.
Bahia, on the other hand, is riding a wave of confidence, currently unbeaten in their last nine matches, with five wins and four draws. They have not lost away from home this season, boasting four victories and six draws, which adds to their resilience as they take on Santos.
As the match approaches, predictions are mixed, with many analysts suggesting that both teams have the potential to score. Santos is favored to win, but with Bahia's current form, anything could happen. Expect a thrilling match filled with action, as both teams vie for crucial points in the early stages of the season.
With the atmosphere at Vila Belmiro expected to be electric, fans will be hoping for a display of skill and determination from their teams. The clock is ticking down to kick-off, and both Santos and Bahia are ready to give it their all in this critical encounter.
