The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Campeonato Baiano as Vitória faces Bahia in the second leg of the final on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the iconic Barradão stadium in Salvador. Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 (Brasília time), and anticipation is high as both teams prepare for this significant clash.
The first leg of the final saw Bahia take a commanding lead, defeating Vitória 2-0 at the Arena Fonte Nova. Now, as the teams meet again, Vitória finds itself in a challenging position, needing to win by at least three goals to clinch the title outright. Alternatively, if they manage to win by two goals, the match will be decided by penalties. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for glory in this historic encounter.
With the 150th match between these two rivals on the horizon, the numbers tell an intriguing story. Vitória has recorded 56 victories over Bahia, while the Tricolor has claimed 45 wins, along with 48 draws in their storied rivalry. However, it’s worth noting that Vitória hasn’t bested Bahia in their last five meetings. Fans from both sides eagerly await to see how this classic encounter unfolds.
In preparation for this crucial match, Vitória is excited about the potential return of midfielder Matheusinho, who has been sidelined due to injury. His experience and skill could be vital for the Rubro-Negro as they look to turn the tide against their rivals. Coach Thiago Carpini expressed his confidence during a recent press conference, saying, "We are hungry for this game on Sunday, we want Bahia here, we are waiting. Football shows that anything is possible. We've gone through this before. We know we're facing a team with a bigger investment, with a good coach. However, in a classic, many factors equalize. I think Bahia's mistake was not scoring a third goal when they missed the penalty."
On the other side, Bahia arrives with confidence after their successful outing in the first leg. Goals from Erick Pulga and Gabriel Xavier helped secure their advantage, and they are eager to maintain it. Under the management of Rogério Ceni, Bahia has shown remarkable resilience, now aiming for their 51st state title. They know they can afford to lose by one goal and still lift the trophy, granting them an edge in strategies during the match.
The match will also mark a pivotal moment for Ceni, who, should his team triumph, will celebrate his first title as head coach of Bahia since his appointment in 2023. He comes into this match after resting some key players in the recent Copa do Nordeste match against CSA, ensuring his squad is fit and ready for this crucial final.
This championship final promises high stakes as both teams understand what is on the line. Fans can watch the live broadcasts on TV Brasil and TV Bahia on YouTube, bringing the match to viewers across regions. The atmosphere at Barradão is expected to be electric, with both sets of supporters ready to cheer their teams to victory.
While Vitória looks to reverse the unfavorable scoreline, Bahia aims to secure its legacy further as the most successful club in the history of the Campeonato Baiano. In the end, it will be a test of will, strategy, and perhaps a little bit of luck as these two storied clubs clash for the coveted trophy.
The referee for this thrilling encounter will be Wilton Pereira Sampaio, with assistants Rodrigo Figueiredo and Nailton de Sousa Oliveira supporting him in ensuring the match runs smoothly while deeply impacting the narrative of this historic final.
This final match encapsulates what the Campeonato Baiano is all about: passion, rivalry, and a fight for supremacy. Fans will eagerly await the players' performances as they write another chapter in their rivalry, and may the best team win!
