Vitoria vs Bahia – News and Probable Lineups

Vitoria will host Bahia at the Barradao in Salvador this Sunday for a crucial Ba-Vi derby as part of round 24 of the 2026 Brasileiro.

The home side enters this match following a 1-0 win against Botafogo, while Bahia seeks to bounce back after playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Chapecoense.

Match overview

Vitoria arrives at this fixture in decent form after concluding a four-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Botafogo. With 29 points, the Rubro-Negro are positioned 12th in the table and leaning on their home advantage, where they have achieved eight victories, one draw, and two losses from 11 games — marking the third-best home performance in Serie A.

Their confidence also surged after a commanding 4-0 win against Athletico-PR that propelled them to the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. However, the team’s attack is still aiming for increased effectiveness, having netted 23 times in 23 matches — an average of just one goal per fixture. Meanwhile, the defence has allowed 33 goals, leaving them with a negative goal difference of ten.

Off the pitch, the club has addressed a significant issue ahead of the Ba-Vi. Vitoria successfully negotiated with Portimonense, settled a debt of US$394,000, and subsequently had FIFA’s transfer ban lifted, thus regaining the ability to register new signings.

This development also alleviates the risk of Vitoria losing six points in Serie A, a penalty that could have further complicated their season. Now that matters have normalized, Vitoria can proceed with new player registrations and approach the derby with a greater sense of calmness as they look to maintain their positive form.

Bahia arrives at the Ba-Vi in sixth place in the Brasileiro with 34 points and aims to put an end to a streak of five consecutive draws. The Tricolor has been unbeaten in their last seven matches, but securing victory only twice during this span has hindered their progress in the standings.

This inconsistent form has increased pressure on head coach Rogerio Ceni. The team’s 3-3 draw against last-place Chapecoense was particularly disappointing, as Bahia had taken the lead three times but failed to secure the win.

Away from home is a worrying trend as well for the Esquadrao. They have not claimed a victory in six matches on the road and have gathered only ten points from their last ten away games — now facing a Vitoria side that boasts the third-best home record in the league.

Historically, Bahia has the upper hand in recent derbies, having triumphed in three of the last five Ba-Vis. Alejo Veliz, who is set to feature against Vitoria for the first time, has noted his derby experience at Rosario Central and expressed confidence in securing all three points at the Barradao.

Team News

Vitoria will be missing several players for the Ba-Vi clash. Ruben Ismael, Edu, Riccieli, Dudu, Anderson Pato, Nathan Mendes, and Caique Goncalves are all out of action. Additionally, Gabriel Baralhas is a doubt due to physical discomfort and will require reassessment.

With a number of players on yellow-card suspension watch, Vitoria has Emmanuel Martinez and Rene, both of whom are just one booking away from a suspension. Given the many absences, Jair Ventura will need to carefully manage the resources available for the derby.

Rogerio Ceni will also be without some pivotal players for the fixture. Kaue Furquim is away representing the Brasil Under-17 squad, while Leo Vieira, Ademir, and Everton Ribeiro are sidelined due to injuries; Erick is also unavailable due to suspension.

Bahia have several players on yellow-card suspension watch as well, including Ronaldo, Kanu, Jean Lucas, Sanabria, and Everaldo, all currently on two bookings.

Vitoria probable starting XI:

Lucas Archangel; Caca, Emanuel Britez, Luan Candido, Ramon; Emmanuel MARTINEZ, Ze Vitor; Erick, Matheuzinho, Tarzia; Rene. Coach: Jair Ventura.

Bahia probable starting XI:

Ronaldo; Roman Gomez, David Duarte, Santiago Mingo, Luciano Juba; Rodrigo Nestor, Jean Lucas, Acevedo; Mateo Sanabria, Alejo Veliz, Erick Pulga. Coach: Rogerio Ceni.

Vitoria has demonstrated remarkable strength at home, holding the third-best home record in the Brasileiro after suffering just one loss in 11 matches, while Bahia features the 13th-best away record, despite being unbeaten in their last five away games.

Nevertheless, the home advantage at the Barradao could turn out to be pivotal in this Ba-Vi derby, with Vitoria arriving with positive results and having enough capability to secure what is expected to be a closely contested fixture.