Analysis The numbers behind the result
Bahia's clinical finishing edges high-possession victory
Bahia's 3-2 win was merited on the balance of play, outperforming Internacional's 0.29 xG with 1.75 xG of their own despite both sides registering 6 total shots. The home side converted 83% of their shots on target (5) compared to Internacional's 33% (2), with Erick Pulga's brace (23', 42') and Erick's strike (45+4') proving decisive. Alan Patrick's early assist (16') and Vitinho's second-half goal (52') kept Internacional in contention.
Bahia dominated possession (66%) and passing accuracy (88% vs 80%), but it was their efficiency in the box that told – 4 of their 6 shots came from inside the area, including all three goals. Internacional's defensive approach (5-3-2) limited Bahia to just 1 corner, but the hosts' direct play through Pulga and Alejo Vélez (1 assist) nullified this. The decisive stat: Bahia's +1.46 xG overperformance, as their three goals from 1.75 xG proved insurmountable.