In a surprising turn of events, Bahia managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Palmeiras at Allianz Parque. The match, valid for the 6th round of the Brasileirão, saw Kayky scoring the decisive goal late in the second half. This result not only shook the league standings but also highlighted Vitor Roque’s ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Palmeiras, despite fielding a star-studded attack including Paulinho, Estêvao, and Vitor Roque, couldn’t break down Bahia’s resilient defense. The game was filled with intense moments and near misses, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Let’s delve into the key incidents and analyze how Bahia managed to pull off this unexpected win.
Intense First Half: Few Clear Chances
The first 45 minutes between Palmeiras and Bahia were marked by high intensity but lacked clear-cut opportunities. Both teams battled fiercely in midfield, trying to gain control of the game’s tempo. Bahia’s strategy was evident: stay compact defensively and exploit quick transitions.
Bahia had the best chance of the first half when Erick Pulga found himself one-on-one with Weverton after a headed pass from Willian José. However, Weverton made an excellent save to deny the visitors. Palmeiras struggled to penetrate Bahia’s defense, which remained disciplined and organized, with all eleven players often behind the ball.
Palmeiras had eight attempts in the first half but failed to hit the target. Their difficulty in breaking down Bahia’s defensive structure was a recurring theme. Bahia, on the other hand, looked dangerous when exploiting the pace of Erick Pulga and Ademir on the counter.
Abel Unleashes Dream Attack: Not Enough
In the second half, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira aimed to turn the tide by introducing more firepower. With Vitor Roque, Paulinho, Flaco López, and Estêvao on the pitch, Palmeiras’ attacking intent was clear. However, despite the wealth of attacking talent, they continued to struggle with their finishing.
Palmeiras improved significantly in the second half but were still wasteful in front of goal. They managed 21 shots throughout the game, but only two were on target. This lack of precision cost them dearly as Bahia remained resolute and waited for their opportunity.
One notable moment was when Estêvao crossed from the byline, finding Vitor Roque. The number 9’s first-time shot seemed destined for the net, but Erick made a crucial goal-line clearance, denying Roque his much-needed goal. This marked Roque’s 11th game without scoring.
Kayky’s Late Goal Secures Victory
As Palmeiras pushed forward in search of a winner, Bahia capitalized on the space left behind. In the 47th minute of the second half, Kayky scored a beautiful goal, chipping the ball over Weverton after a well-worked move. This late strike secured a memorable victory for Bahia.
The goal came as a result of Kayky’s clever interplay with Cauly, leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His delicate chip demonstrated composure and skill, sending the Bahia supporters into jubilation. This goal not only sealed the win but also showcased Bahia’s ability to take their chances when it mattered most.
With this result, Palmeiras lost their lead in the Brasileirão to Flamengo, who now have 14 points. Palmeiras sit second with 13 points, while Bahia climbed to 7th place with 9 points.
Important Moments
- Maurício’s Missed Chance: In the 6th minute, Felipe Anderson’s cross found Maurício, but he shot over the bar.
- Weverton Saves Palmeiras: In the 22nd minute, Weverton denied Erick Pulga in a one-on-one situation.
- Defense Denies Palmeiras: A well-worked move ended with Flaco López’s shot being blocked.
- Willian José Hits the Bar: In the second half, Willian José’s powerful shot deflected off Benedetti and hit the crossbar.
- Marcos Felipe’s Save: Estêvao’s curling shot was saved by the Bahia goalkeeper.
- Erick’s Goal-Line Clearance: Erick denied Vitor Roque’s shot from close range.
- Kayky’s Winning Goal: Kayky’s chipped finish sealed the victory for Bahia.
Match Details: Palmeiras 0x1 Bahia
Date and Time: April 27, 18:30 (Brasília time)
Competition: 6th Round of the Brasileirão
Location: Allianz Parque, São Paulo (SP)
Attendance: 29,033
Revenue: R$ 2,611,886.90
Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO)
Goal: Kayky (BAH), 47 minutes into the 2nd half
Team Lineups
Palmeiras: Weverton; Giay, Gustavo Gómez, Benedetti, Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno (Lucas Evangelista), Richard Ríos (Emiliano Martínez), Maurício (Paulinho); Felipe Anderson (Vitor Roque), Facundo Torres (Estêvao), Flaco López. Coach: Abel Ferreira.
Bahia: Marcos Felipe; Gilberto, David Duarte, Mingo, Luciano Juba; Caio Alexandre (Acevedo), Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro (Erick); Ademir (Kayky), Pulga (Cauly), Willian José (Lucho Rodríguez). Coach: Rogério Ceni.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Bahia’s victory over Palmeiras was a testament to their defensive resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. The team’s organized approach and clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match. For Palmeiras, the game highlighted their struggles in converting chances despite a wealth of attacking talent.
Vitor Roque’s goalless streak continues to be a concern for Palmeiras, and the team will need to find ways to better integrate him into their attacking play. The loss also cost Palmeiras the league lead, underscoring the competitive nature of this year’s Brasileirão. Bahia, on the other hand, will take confidence from this win as they look to build momentum in the upcoming matches.
Leave a Reply