Match Centre

Bahia's 3-2 win slightly flattered them on xG (1.13 vs 0.89), but their clinical start proved decisive. The hosts scored twice in the first 10 minutes (Rodrigo 6', Erick Pulga 10'), converting 2 of their 4 shots on target during that spell. Sao Paulo's 53% possession generated more shots (14 to 13) and corners (11 to 7), but only 6 were on target despite outshooting Bahia 8-4 from inside the box.

Key moments came in transitions - Marcos Victor's 81st-minute winner (assisted by Erick) was Bahia's only second-half shot on target, while Lucas Moura (43') and D. Bobadilla (45+5') had briefly pulled Sao Paulo level before halftime. Bahia's goalkeeper Ronaldo Strada made 4 saves versus Rafael's 1 for Sao Paulo, reflecting Bahia's superior shot-stopping rather than chance prevention (both teams had -0.73 goals prevented).

The difference: Bahia converted 75% of their shots on target (3/4) compared to Sao Paulo's 33% (2/6) - a decisive finishing gap despite fewer quality chances.