Bahia thrash Confiança away, closing in on fifth Copa do Nordeste title | OneFootball

This Wednesday, Bahia took an important step towards their fifth title in the Copa do Nordeste. In the first leg of the regional championship final, Tricolor de Aço defeated Confiança 4-1 at Batistão, in Aracaju (SE). The visitors scored through Luciano Rodríguez, William José, Rodrigo Nestor, and Rezende. The only goal for the team from Sergipe came from Ronald Camarão.

The return match will take place this Saturday at 5:30 PM (Brasília time) at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador (BA). Therefore, Bahia can lose by up to two goals and still secure the trophy. However, a tie on aggregate will lead to a penalty shootout.

Tricolor de Aço, currently managed by Rogério Ceni, has already won the Copa do Nordeste in 2001, 2002, 2017, and 2021. If they win the title, the team will stand alone as the most successful champion. Currently, Vitória also has four cups, won in 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2010. Confiança, on the other hand, has reached the tournament's final for the first time and is thus seeking its first victory.

Confiança vs. Bahia: the match

Bahia started the Copa do Nordeste final with everything and took the lead in the early minutes. At 3 minutes into the first half, Lucho Rodríguez received a corner from Rodrigo Nestor and, on the first touch, hit the ball at the far post, scoring a beautiful goal for the squad.

Confiança tried to respond but saw Bahia create new chances, including a dangerous shot from Cauly that went just wide of the post.

At 26 minutes, Willian José extended the lead to 2-0. Cauly initiated the play by finding Lucho on the right side, who crossed the ball. The Sergipe defense faltered, and Willian José took the opportunity to push the ball into the net, with a deflection that troubled goalkeeper Allan.

Bahia's dominance continued until halftime, with missed chances by Lucho and Vitinho, while Confiança only managed to threaten in stoppage time with a header from Vitinho.

In the second half, Confiança quickly reduced the deficit at 4 minutes with Ronald Camarão, who received a pass, advanced at speed, and finished low past Ronaldo, igniting the match.

Bahia's response was immediate: at 8 minutes, Rodrigo Nestor took a perfect free kick into Allan's left corner, scoring a stunning goal and extending the lead to 3-1.

To seal the deal, the Bahia team scored the fourth goal at 40 minutes. From a corner on the right side, Michel Araujo delivered a tight cross, and Rezende appeared at the near post to head the ball into the back of the net.

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