Game Information

Monday 31st March – Kick-off – 00:00 (GMT)

Bahia

Bahia had a campaign to remember last season, finishing in eighth place to earn Copa Libertadores qualification and a spot in the qualifiers. They successfully progressed to the group stages, beating The Strongest and Boston River in February and March.

Additionally, Bahia reached the Copa do Nordeste quarter-finals and claimed the Campeonato Baiano title, defeating rivals Vitória 3-1 over two legs.

On Wednesday, they enjoyed a 3-2 victory over Ceará in the Copa do Nordeste, setting them up nicely for this clash here.

Rogério Ceni has brought in several new players, including Erick, Erick Pulga, Michel Araujo, Rodrigo, Willian José, Santiago Ramos, Zé Guilherme, Kayky, and Ronaldo Strada, to ensure Bahia remain competitive across all fronts this season.

Corinthians

At one point last season, it looked like Corinthians were in for a tough battle against relegation, but a remarkable second half of the campaign saw them not only escape trouble but also qualify for the Copa Libertadores, finishing in seventh place.

However, unlike Bahia, they failed to progress through qualifying, beating Universidade Central before succumbing to Guayaquil-based outfit Barcelona.

There have been some positives for Corinthians, though, as they lifted the Campeonato Paulista for the first time since 2019 with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Palmeiras on Thursday evening, which will give them a huge confidence boost heading into this fixture.

Hugo Souza made a huge penalty save on Thursday and has made his loan move from Flamengo permanent this year. Fabrizio Angileri is the only other new addition at Timão.

Expected Lineups

Bahia – Marcos Felipe, Gilberto, Kanu, Santiago Mingo, Luciano Juba, Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro, Lucho Rodriguez, Erick Pulga and Willian José.

Corinthians – Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique, Angileri, Raniele, José Martínez, André Carrillo, Rodrigo Garro, Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto

Prediction

Bahia 1-1 Corinthians