Bahia Claims 51st State Championship, Extends Lead Over Rival Vitória

Salvador’s football scene witnessed another chapter in Brazil’s intense Ba-Vi rivalry yesterday. Bahia secured their 51st Campeonato Baiano title with a 1-1 draw against Vitória at Barradão stadium on March 23.

The Tricolor entered the match with a comfortable 2-0 advantage from the first leg played at Arena Fonte Nova. Vitória needed a three-goal victory to claim the championship outright. The home team scored first through Carlinhos, raising hopes among their supporters.

Bahia equalized in stoppage time through Kayky. The match featured tensions beyond the scoreline with four players receiving red cards amid several confrontations. Bahia’s successful campaign delivered the first trophy for coach Rogério Ceni since he joined the club.

The victory sparked celebrations among Bahia supporters and prompted the club to taunt their rivals on social media. “You knew? If Bahia stops playing the State Championship and returns after 20 years, they would still be the biggest champion,” the club posted online.

In addition, this championship extends Bahia’s dominance in the historical rivalry. They now lead Vitória by 21 titles in the state competition. The gap continues to widen after Vitória had narrowed it during the 1990s and 2000s.

Both clubs share a fierce rivalry dating back to 1932. Their encounters, known as Ba-Vi, rank among Brazil’s most intense derbies. Bahia claims superiority in the all-time head-to-head record with 195 victories against Vitória’s 153, alongside 154 draws.

A New Era Under City Football Group Ownership

The rivalry divides Salvador, Brazil’s first capital and a coastal city with deep African cultural influences. Both clubs competed recently in their historic 500th meeting, accumulating over 1,200 goals throughout their confrontations.

Bahia currently benefits from investment by City Football Group, which acquired 90% of the club’s shares in 2023. The ownership transition brings new resources to the traditional northeastern powerhouse.

This title represents Bahia’s first major trophy since the ownership change. The club will now focus on other competitions, including the Brazilian national championship, Copa do Brasil, Copa do Nordeste, and Libertadores.

The victory holds special meaning for several players who won their first trophy with Bahia, including veteran midfielder Everton Ribeiro and promising younger talents developed through the club’s academy system.