Pulga Double Fires Bahia to 3-2 Thriller Over Internacional

The Arena Fonte Nova erupted as Bahia edged Internacional 3-2 in a Serie A classic that swung like a pendulum, with Erick Pulga’s first-half brace proving decisive in a contest that crackled with relentless intensity.

Bahia Weather Early Internacional Storm

Internacional struck first blood in the 16th minute when Alan Patrick, orchestrating from deep, slipped Thiago Maia through to deliver a cutback that the veteran midfielder swept home with clinical precision. The visitors’ lead lasted just seven minutes – Bahia’s response was electric. Nicolas Acevedo’s threaded pass found Pulga, whose angled finish kissed the far post on its way in. The equaliser ignited the home crowd, their noise levels spiking again when Internacional’s Pezzolano saw yellow for dissent moments later.

Pulga Turns the Tide Before Half-Time

The game’s pivotal phase came in a six-minute blitz before the break. First, Bahia’s Alejo Veliz outmuscled Maripan to nod down for Pulga, who volleyed home his second in the 42nd minute – a striker’s finish of pure instinct. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Erick capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home Bahia’s third, sending the home fans into raptures. The stats told the story of Bahia’s dominance: 66% possession, 5 shots on target to Internacional’s 2, and an xG of 1.75 versus 0.29.

Internacional Fightback Falls Short

The second half opened with Internacional reducing the deficit in the 52nd minute – Patrick turning provider again, floating a cross for Vitinho to head home. The visitors pressed frantically, but Bahia’s rearguard, marshalled by the combative David Duarte (who’d later see yellow), held firm. Rogerio Ceni’s substitutions proved astute – Ademir and Michel Araujo adding fresh legs to protect the lead. Internacional’s frustration showed as Maripan joined Pezzolano in the book, their challenge fizzling out despite late pressure.

What This Result Means

For Bahia, this was a statement win – moving them into the top half and showcasing Pulga’s predatory instincts. Internacional, meanwhile, rue missed chances despite Patrick’s creativity. The result leaves Paulo Pezzolano with defensive questions ahead of their continental commitments, while Bahia can build momentum towards their next league fixture with confidence surging through the squad.