Introduction — Vitória x Bahia
On October 17, 2025, Manoel Barradas Stadium (Barradão) hosted one of the most recent chapters in the rivalry between Vitória and Bahia. On a hot and vibrant Friday night, more than 29,000 fans packed the stands, transforming the stadium into a veritable cauldron of red and black fans.
The match, part of the 28th round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship Série A, ended with a 2-1 victory for Vitória, breaking a nearly ten-year winless streak against Bahia at Barradão Stadium. The atmosphere before the game was tense—both teams were experiencing different, yet equally challenging, moments.
Vitória was desperately fighting relegation and knew that beating their rival would be the spark needed to rekindle the group’s confidence. Bahia, more comfortable in the standings, saw the derby as a chance to cement their place among the top teams and maintain their good form under pressure.
From the warm-up, the atmosphere was already clear that this wouldn’t be just another game. Chants echoed, flags waved, and excitement overflowed in the stands. Barradão was pulsating—and the red-and-black fans seemed to sense that, this time, history could be different.
Pre-game context — pressure, rivalry and urgency
Before the ball rolled, the atmosphere was one of absolute tension. Vitória, with 25 points, sat in 17th place, desperately needing a win to climb out of the relegation zone. The team had suffered painful draws and narrow defeats, putting pressure on the squad and criticizing the coach.
On the other side, Bahia arrived on a roll after a good run, with 36 points and the clear goal of closing in on the top group. The favorite was the Tricolor, but the Ba-Vi rivalry often ignores logic.
The derby also carried symbolic weight. It was Vitória’s chance to show its greatness, even amidst difficulties, and that Barradão remained hostile territory. Bahia, for its part, wanted to reaffirm its recent superiority and maintain its hegemony over its rival.
When the referee blew the whistle to start the game, what we saw was a clash of nerves, determination and intensity, where each challenge was worth a goal.
Lineups and strategy — opposite styles, same goal
Vitória took the field in a 4-3-3 formation, with high marking and compact lines. The plan was clear: stifle Bahia’s ball-playing and exploit quick transitions. The coach opted for a physical midfield, with defensive midfielders with strong grip and full-backs with freedom to attack.
Bahia, in a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, sought to control the game through possession and movement in the final third. The team relied on quick passes and triangles on the flanks, trying to wear down the red-and-black defense.
In the opening minutes, the difference in play was evident. Vitória pressed, defended in a high block, and stole dangerous balls. Bahia had more possession, but struggled against their rival’s organized marking and emotional strength.
As time passed, the coaches made adjustments. Vitória moved their midfielders forward and began pressing intensely. Bahia, feeling the pressure, retreated slightly and relied on counterattacks, trying to exploit space behind the defense.
This exchange of intentions created a dynamic tactical scenario, with a lot of movement and dangerous plays on both sides.
First half — excitement, intensity and goals
The first half was worthy of Ba-Vi tradition. Vitória started at a blistering pace, spurred on by the crowd, and soon created their first chances. In the 15th minute, a shot from outside the box forced the Tricolor goalkeeper into a great save.
In the 26th minute, the pressure paid off. After a cross from the right, the ball hit an opposing defender’s hand, and the referee awarded a penalty to Vitória. Kayzer calmly displaced the goalkeeper and made the stadium erupt: 1-0 Vitória.
The goal set Barradão on fire. The team surged forward, dominated the midfield, and nearly extended their lead with set pieces. The fans sang nonstop, turning every play into an emotional battle.
But Bahia fought back. The team regained control of possession and began to attack dangerously. In the 40th minute, after a well-taken corner, Tiago rose highest and headed in a 1-1 equalizer.
The goal cooled the red-and-black spirit and restored Bahia’s confidence, which ended the first half with a stronger attacking presence. Even so, the draw reflected the balance—two teams playing at their limit, driven by rivalry and necessity.
Second half — overcoming and the redemption goal
Vitória returned from the locker room determined not to repeat past mistakes. The team came out more focused, with aggressive marking and quick transitions. In the 15th minute, a rocket from outside the box scared Bahia’s goalkeeper.
The pressure mounted until, in the 20th minute, after a corner kick, Cáceres pounced on a rebound and tapped it into the net: 2-1 Vitória. Barradão collapsed. The celebration was intense—fans cried, players hugged, and the coach cheered from the sidelines.
After the goal, Bahia tried to react. They made offensive substitutions, moved their lines forward, and created good chances, but were thwarted by a solid and well-positioned defense. Vitória’s goalkeeper made two crucial saves, keeping the score at bay.
In the final minutes, the game turned into a battle of nerves. Hard fouls, arguments, and fatigue took over the field. The final whistle was the trigger for the explosion: Vitória ended a nearly ten-year winless streak against their rival at Barradão.
Match statistics
| Indicator | Victory | Bahia |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 2 | 1 |
| Goals | Kayzer (penalty), Cáceres | Tiago |
| Finalizations | 17 | 11 |
| Correct finishes | 8 | 4 |
| Ball possession | 48% | 52% |
| Corners | 9 | 5 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 18 | 21 |
| Audience present | 29,000 | — |
The numbers show balance, but Vitória was more incisive. Bahia had more possession, but Vitória was more efficient, making the most of set pieces and counterattacks.
Tactical analysis — discipline and intensity
Vitória’s greatest achievement was maintaining tactical discipline. The team remained organized even under pressure and demonstrated improvement across the board. The defense was compact, the midfield worked intelligently, and the attack was opportunistic.
Bahia, although technically superior, struggled to handle pressure and aerial possession. They lacked dynamism in midfield and decisiveness in their finishing. The team had control, but failed to convert possession into real danger.
Vitória’s coach’s reading was spot-on: he understood the situation, made changes at the right time, and reinvigorated the group. The triumph didn’t come by chance—it was the result of strategy, courage, and a winning mentality.
Repercussion and behind the scenes — emotion and relief
The red-and-black locker room became a stage for celebration. Players sang, cried, and celebrated the end of the taboo. The coach thanked the fans for their support and urged them to focus on the upcoming games. The atmosphere was one of unity and renewed confidence.
Among the fans, the emotion was indescribable. Families, seniors, and young people celebrated side by side, reliving the sense of pride and belonging. On social media, Vitória was the talk of the town, and images of the celebration took over the internet.
Bahia, for its part, left the field frustrated. The coach acknowledged his mistakes and promised adjustments. The defeat, while painful, will serve as a lesson for a team that needs to regain emotional balance in decisive derbies.
Conclusion — Vitória is reborn, and Barradão smiles again
The 2-1 victory over Bahia was more than a sporting result—it was symbolic. Vitória rediscovered its soul, its fans, and its confidence. The team showed it can react, even under pressure, and that Barradão remains its fortress.
Bahia, despite losing, still has potential, but needs to be more decisive and emotionally stable. The derby proved, once again, that Bahia is pure emotion, where the heart speaks louder than reason.
The season remains open, and both clubs still have a lot at stake. But one thing is certain: the red-and-black team has woken up, and the chant stuck in the fans’ throats has finally echoed loudly.
FAQ — Vitória x Bahia 2×1
1. Who won the Ba-Vi 2025 classic?
Vitória beat Bahia 2-1 at Barradão.
2. Who scored the goals?
Kayzer (penalty) and Cáceres scored for Vitória; Tiago scored for Bahia.
3. Where was the game?
At Barradão Stadium in Salvador, with an audience of around 29,000 fans.
4. How important was the victory?
The result ended a nearly ten-year winless streak against their rival and lifted the team out of the relegation zone.
5. Did Bahia perform well?
They had more possession, but were poor at finishing and defending set pieces.
6. Who was the star of the match?
Kayzer, scorer of the first goal and leader on the field, was the man of the match.
7. What can we expect from Vitória in the upcoming games?
With high morale, the team is likely to improve and fight until the end to stay in the league.
8. What does Bahia need to improve?
Defensive focus and emotional consistency in big games.
9. How many cards were issued?
There were seven yellow cards in total—three for Vitória and four for Bahia.
10. Is there a chance of a rematch?
Yes, the teams could face each other again in the final rounds, depending on the standings.
