Bahia Stun Vitoria With Late Double in Crucial 2-0 Win

Bahia Strike Late to Crush Vitoria’s Hopes

Bahia landed two brutal late punches to floor Vitoria 2-0 in Serie A’s 24th round, turning the Estádio Manoel Barradas into a morgue with Alejo Véliz and Jean Lucas striking in the 67th and 97th minutes. The visitors’ clinical finishing exposed Vitoria’s toothless attack, leaving their Copa Libertadores dreams bleeding out on home turf.

Vitoria’s Frustrations Boil Over

The first half simmered with barely-contained rage as Matheuzinho’s 26th-minute yellow for a raking challenge set the tone. Vitoria’s 47% possession told a story of strained patience, their only threat coming from speculative long-rangers that Bahia keeper Ronaldo swallowed comfortably. When Rodrigo Nestor’s late tackle earned Bahia their own booking before halftime, both dugouts knew this powder keg was one spark from explosion.

The Deadlock Shatters

Bahia’s pressure gauge hit critical in the 67th minute. Erick Pulga carved through midfield like a hot knife before slipping Véliz through, the Argentine striker burying his chance first-time to break Vitoria’s resistance. The hosts’ triple substitution at 63 minutes had backfired spectacularly – their xG of 0.46 a damning indictment of blunt attacking.

Jean Lucas Delivers the Killshot

As Vitoria threw men forward, Bahia’s Michel Araujo raced clear in the 97th minute before squaring for Jean Lucas to tap home. The stadium emptied faster than a popped balloon, Bahia’s players collapsing in delirium. Vitoria’s Caca and Lucas trading yellows in the aftermath only rubbed salt in gaping wounds.

What This Means

Bahia’s 82% passing accuracy and 28 total shots underline their top-four credentials, while Vitoria’s playoff hopes now hang by a thread. For Rogerio Ceni’s men, this ruthless away performance screams ‘contenders’. For Ventura Jair’s side? A long, hard look at their powderpuff attack is unavoidable after failing to land a shot on target until the 89th minute.