Botafogo climbs into the G-4 with a 2-1 win over Bahia at Nilton Santos
Botafogo secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bahia at Estádio Nilton Santos on Wednesday, ending more than two years without a Brasileirão win at home and finally entering the Campeonato Brasileiro’s G-4 with 43 points. Santi Rodríguez and Jeffinho scored for the Glorioso, while Rodrigo Nestor pulled one back for Bahia. The result also left mirroring points with Mirassol, which drew with Red Bull Bragantino and stayed on 43 but trailed Botafogo on the number of victories.
How the match unfolded
The game started with both teams probing, but Botafogo gradually asserted control, building most of its danger from the right side. The first big moment arrived at the 25th minute when Marlon Freitas slipped a pass to Vitinho, whose cross deflected into the area. Ronaldo parried, and Cuiabano followed up with a powerful strike that required a sharp save from the Bahia goalkeeper.
A minute later, Botafogo broke through. Freitas again released Vitinho, who cut the ball back for Santi Rodríguez to finish from close range, bending the ball into the far corner. The opening goal reflected a captain’s influence; Santi Rodríguez looked lively and incisive throughout, even as Vitinho spurned a golden chance moments later by firing wide after a clever diagonal run.
The first half ended with Bahia briefly threatening through a Rezende through-ball and a Zé Guilherme run behind the Botafogo defense, which was cleared off the line. By the end of the half, the score remained 1-0 to the hosts, who had looked the more dangerous side overall.
Second half: a rapid seal and a tense finish
Just 21 seconds into the second period, Botafogo doubled the advantage. Savarino sent a cross from the right and Cuiabano converted from close range before Jeffinho arrived to poke the ball in at the near post, marking his first goal of the season after returning to the starting XI and overcoming a spell of injuries that hampered him.
Bahia hit back with a strike of fortune in the 9th minute of the second half. Rodrigo Nestor’s free kick skimmed off the shoulder of Kaio Pantaleão and beat Léo Linck to make it 2-1. The goal changed the tempo, and Bahia briefly looked capable of turning the screw. However, Sanabria’s bid for a dramatic late equalizer was waved off when a dive was deemed simulation, earning him a second yellow card and an early shower, reducing the visitors to ten men.
With the numerical advantage, Botafogo controlled possession and limited Bahia’s counter-attacks. The home side created other chances through Cabral and Pantaleão—Pantaleão even looked set to score again before being ruled offside as the game wore on. In the closing stages, Botafogo managed the clock effectively, avoiding needless risks and securing the three points.
Implications for the standings
Botafogo now sits on 43 points, solidifying their place in the top four. Bahia remains on 40, staying in sixth but with work to do to sustain a push toward the Libertadores spots. Mirassol’s draw with Red Bull Bragantino left them on 43 as well, but Botafogo’s higher number of victories gives the Glorioso the edge in the tiebreakers for now.
Looking ahead
The schedule continues with Botafogo traveling to the Beira-Rio to face Internacional on Saturday, October 4, at 18:30 local time. After a brief stop for international friendlies, Globo’s Glorioso return to Nilton Santos on October 15 to host Flamengo, in what promises to be a blockbuster at their home venue.
Ficha técnica (match facts)
Event: Brasileirão – Round 30
Result: Botafogo 2 x 1 Bahia
Stadium: Nilton Santos
Date: 1 October 2025, 21:30
Referee: Felipe Fernandes de Lima (MG)
Assistants: Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira (MG) e Celso Luiz da Silva (MG)
VAR: Thiago Duarte Peixoto (SP)
Audience: 7,461 presentes
Goal scorers: Santi Rodríguez 26’ 1T, Jeffinho 21” 2T, Rodrigo Nestor 9’ 2T
Lineups (summary)
BOTAFOGO: Léo Linck; Vitinho, Cuiabano, Alexander Barboza, Kaio Pantaleão; Marlon Freitas, Newton, Savarino; Santi Rodríguez, Arthur Cabral, Jeffinho. Substitutes: Mateo Ponte, Gabriel Bahia, Allan, Artur.
BAHIA: Ronaldo; Santi Arias, Gabriel Xavier, Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba; Rezende, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro; Kayky, Willian José, Sanabria. Substitutes: Michel Araújo, Zé Guilherme, Ademir, Tiago, Rodrigo Nestor.
Coaches: Botafogo – Davide Ancelotti; Bahia – Rogério Ceni.
