Preview: Vitoria vs Bahia - prediction, team news, lineups

Vitoria will welcome Bahia to the Barradao in Salvador on Sunday for a decisive Ba-Vi derby in round 24 of the 2026 Brasileiro.

The hosts head into the contest after securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo, while Bahia will be looking to respond after an entertaining 3-3 draw away to Chapecoense.

Match preview

Vitoria arrive in good form after beating Botafogo 1-0, ending a four-match winless run. With 29 points, the Rubro-Negro sit in 12th place and are relying on their home strength, having recorded eight wins, one draw and two losses in 11 matches — the third-best home record in Serie A by that measure.

The team also gained confidence after thrashing Athletico-PR 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. In the Brasileirao, however, the attack is still searching for greater efficiency, with 23 goals in 23 matches — an average of just one per game. The defence, meanwhile, has conceded 33 goals, for a goal difference of minus ten.

Off the pitch, the club resolved an important issue ahead of the Ba-Vi. Vitoria reached an agreement with Portimonense, paid US$394,000 of the debt owed, and had FIFA's transfer ban lifted, meaning they are once again authorised to register new players.

The decision also removes the risk of the Rubro-Negro losing six points in Serie A, a punishment that could have further complicated their campaign. With the situation now regularised, Vitoria can register new signings and go into the derby with greater peace of mind as they look to maintain their good run of form.

Bahia arrive at the Ba-Vi in sixth place in the Brasileirao, with 34 points, and are looking to end a run of five consecutive draws. The Tricolor have gone seven rounds unbeaten, but have won just twice in that period, which has slowed their pursuit of the leading positions.

The inconsistent run has also increased the pressure on Rogerio Ceni. The 3-3 draw with Chapecoense, bottom of the table, weighed even more heavily, given that Bahia had led three times but were unable to hold on to the result.

Away from home, form is another concern for the Esquadrao. The side have not won in six matches as visitors and have collected just ten points from their last ten games in that condition — coming up against a Vitoria side with the third-best home record in the division.

In terms of recent history, Bahia hold the advantage in the derby, having won three of the last five Ba-Vis. Alejo Veliz, who will face Vitoria for the first time, highlighted his experience in derbies during his time at Rosario Central and said he was confident of securing all three points at the Barradao.

Vitoria Brasileiro form:

Vitoria form (all competitions):

Bahia Brasileiro form:

Bahia form (all competitions):

Team News

Vitoria have a number of absentees in the treatment room for the Ba-Vi. Ruben Ismael, Edu, Riccieli, Dudu, Anderson Pato, Nathan Mendes and Caique Goncalves all remain sidelined, while Gabriel Baralhas is a doubt after experiencing physical discomfort and will be reassessed.

Among those on yellow-card suspension watch, Vitoria have Emmanuel Martinez and Rene, who are both one booking away from a ban. With so many limitations within the squad, Jair Ventura will have to manage the options available to him for the derby.

Rogerio Ceni will also be without some key players for the match. Kaue Furquim is away with the Brazil Under-17 squad, while Leo Vieira, Ademir and Everton Ribeiro remain out through injury; Erick is also unavailable through suspension.

Among those on yellow-card suspension watch, Bahia have Ronaldo, Kanu, Jean Lucas, Sanabria and Everaldo, all of whom are on two bookings.

Vitoria possible starting lineup:

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

Bahia possible starting lineup:

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

We say: Vitoria 1-0 Bahia

Vitoria have been particularly strong at home, boasting the third-best home record in the Brasileiro after losing just once in 11 matches, while Bahia own the 13th-best away record despite going unbeaten in their last five games.

Even so, the Barradao factor could prove decisive in this Ba-Vi derby, with Vitoria arriving on the back of positive results and possessing enough to edge what should be a tightly contested encounter.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.