Vasco da Gama v Bahia: hosts chase lift-off as visitors defend top-half start | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama host Bahia in the Brasileirão at São Januário on Thursday, 12 February 2026, with the home side seeking a first league win and the visitors aiming to extend an unbeaten start that has them in the top half.

Vasco da Gama are 13th after two games, while Bahia sit 7th. Last season's meetings went with home advantage: Vasco won 3-1 in September 2025, before Bahia edged the return 1-0 in November 2025.

Cruz-Maltino opened with a 2-1 defeat at Mirassol and followed up with a 1-1 draw against Chapecoense. Tricolor Baiano began with a 2-1 success at Corinthians and then drew 1-1 with Fluminense to keep momentum.

Vasco are without Jair and Mateus Carvalho plus defender Paulo Henrique through injury. Bahia travel minus forward Ruan Pablo (injured), while Dell is suspended for this round.

Cruz-Maltino have scored two and conceded three in their league start. Tricolor Baiano have three for and two against, suggesting chances at both ends. Creativity for the hosts could come from Philippe Coutinho or Matheus França, while Éverton Ribeiro, Cauly, Willian José and Cristian Olivera offer attacking options for the visitors if selected.

A home win could lift Cruz-Maltino towards mid-table security. Victory for Tricolor Baiano would strengthen their grip on a Copa Sudamericana place and keep them in touch with the early pace-setters.