Bahia beats Red Bull Bragantino 3-2 and maintains position in the G-5 of the Brasileirão

Bahia secured their third consecutive victory in the Campeonato Brasileiro. This Saturday (5), the Esquadrão de Aço defeated Red Bull Bragantino 3-2 at the Cícero de Souza Marques Stadium in Bragança Paulista (SP), in the opening match of the 26th round of the competition.

The Tricolor reached 43 points, securing another round in the zone for Libertadores qualification, which includes the top five teams—the so-called G-5.

Massa Bruta, who suffered their second consecutive loss, remain on 35 points, missing the opportunity to close in on their Bahian rivals and stalling in ninth place.

The first half in the interior of São Paulo was lively, featuring four goals. In the 13th minute, midfielder Lucas Barbosa took advantage of an assist from forward Wallace Yan—a former Flamengo player and a signing announced this week—to put Bragantino ahead.

Bahia's equalizer came in the 33rd minute with a penalty converted by full-back Luciano Juba. Five minutes later, midfielder Rodrigo Nestor took a corner kick and forward Alejo Véliz headed it in to turn the score around. In stoppage time, however, defender Santiago Mingo scored an own goal to level the match once again.

The Esquadrão sealed the three points in the second half. Four minutes in, Rodrigo Nestor took another corner kick and midfielder Erick headed it into the net, setting the final score of the match in Bragança Paulista.

Massa Bruta will try to bounce back in the Brasileirão next Saturday (12) at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) against Botafogo at the Nilton Santos. The following Monday (14) at 8 p.m., Bahia will face Remo at the Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, seeking their fourth straight victory.

Football is National

This Sunday (6) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), Remo will host Flamengo at the Mangueirão in Belém. Rádio Nacional will broadcast the match live.

Rubro-Negro, sitting on 51 points, could temporarily take the lead with a win, putting pressure on Palmeiras, who have 52 points and play immediately after at 6:30 p.m. against Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro.

Leão Azul, with 23 points, is fighting to escape the relegation zone (Z-4), which comprises the bottom four teams in the tournament.