Jean Lucas: Bahia fully focused and committed for Ba-Vi clash | OneFootball

Bahia returns to the field this Thursday (16) to play another derby against Vitória this season, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Barradão, for Matchday 28 of the Brazilian Championship.

The clash pits two teams in different moments: the Steel Tricolor sits sixth with 43 points and is pushing for the top four, while the Lion of the Barra is the first team in the relegation zone, with 27 points.

With captain Everton Ribeiro undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer, Jean Lucas naturally assumes an even more prominent role in steering Bahia’s midfield. A technical reference in Rogério Ceni’s squad, the number 6 heads into the derby as one of Bahia’s pillars in 2025.

“Everton is a very important guy for us, on and off the field, and of course he’s missed. But the group has many leaders, experienced players who push each other, help each other, and are talking all the time. I try to do my part and help in the best way possible. Being considered one of the references is a responsibility I embrace with pride and seriousness,” said Jean Lucas.

Positive record

In Brazilian Championships, the midfielder holds an unbeaten record in derbies: three Ba-Vi matches played, with two wins and one draw. In the overall history of the rivalry, the Tricolor number 6 has already played the derby ten times, with four wins, four draws, and only two losses, including this year’s state title clinched at Barradão, the venue for Thursday’s match.

During the international break, Bahia’s squad used the time to recover players, sharpen fitness, and carry out tactical work. Jean highlighted the importance of the game and said the group arrives ready for the challenge at their rival’s home, where the Steel Squadron has never won in Brazilian league matches.

“Ba-Vi is a game that demands a lot of focus and commitment. We know what it means to the club and the fans, but hoodoos don’t take the field. This short break was important for us to get work done. We’re very focused; we know a win in a derby can bring us closer to the top four and at the same time complicate their situation. It’s in this kind of game that we have the chance to show our strength,” the midfielder concluded.

Jean Lucas’ season

This season, Jean Lucas has seven goals and four assists in 49 games for Bahia.

He also made history for the club and the Northeast by representing the Brazilian National Team in September, in the South American Qualifiers – it had been 34 years, since Luis Henrique in 1991, since the Steel Squadron had a call-up, and since 2017, with Diego Souza, that the Northeast had been represented.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.