Athletico Paranaense v Bahia: top-four rivals level on points | OneFootball

Athletico Paranaense host Bahia in the Brasileirão on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at Estádio Mário Celso Petraglia, with both sides level on 46 points in the top-four race.

Bahia beat Athletico Paranaense 3-0 in April and arrive as direct rivals for the Copa Libertadores places, with third facing fourth.

Athletico-PR's momentum has dipped to one win in five league games, including a 3-3 draw at Coritiba last time out, while Bahia have surged with four straight victories after a draw, winning at RB Bragantino and edging past Internacional and Remo.

Furacão are without suspended Kevin Viveros, the league's leading scorer on 18 goals, and midfielder João Cruz, with Léo Derik, Renan Viana and Claudinho sidelined. Tricolor Baiano travel without Cristian Olivera through suspension, and goalkeeper Léo Vieira plus forward Mateo Sanabria are injured.

Tactically, Bahia's control game could tell. They average 55% possession with 85.96% passing accuracy and deliver a high volume of crosses, 393 from open play at 21.88%, producing 11 headed goals. Athletico-PR play with 46% possession and a more direct edge, hitting 50.38% shot accuracy and seven headed goals. Their home defence has conceded 10 times in 13 league matches, so set pieces and aerial deliveries may prove decisive.

A home win would move Furacão to 49 points and could solidify third. Victory for Bahia could take them above their hosts and further cement a Copa Libertadores group stage berth in a tightly packed chase.