Fluminense and Bahia square off in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals first leg on Thursday night at Arena Fonte Nova, with kickoff set for 7:30 pm Brasilia time. The two-time Brazilian giants meet after circuiting their way to this stage in different routes.
Fluminense, known as the Carioca Tricolor, advanced from the first phase by defeating Águia de Marabá (8-0), Caxias (2-1), Aparecidense (1-0 and 4-1), and Internacional (2-1 and 1-1). Bahia, the Tricolor de Aço, only entered in the third phase and overcame Paysandu (1-0 and 4-0) and Retrô (3-2 and 0-0).
Renato Gaúcho shook up his lineup for the Brasileirão clash with RB Bragantino, and returns a number of veteran players: Samuel Xavier, Renê, Martinelli, Nonato and Everaldo are back in the fold, taking spots from Guga, Gabriel Fuentes, Bernal, Lucho Acosta and Cano. The biggest headline, though, is Thiago Silva’s comeback from a muscle injury. The captain will rejoin the defense in place of Manoel, a boost for Fluminense’s backline as they aim to assert themselves on the road.
Key points to watch
– Fluminense bring a refreshed squad alignment with several players back from injury or rotation, anchored by Thiago Silva’s leadership.
– Bahia will rely on home-field advantage at Fonte Nova and their own recent knockout experience to challenge the visitors.
– Both sides will be aiming to secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg.
Outlook
Thiago Silva’s return gives Fluminense a strong defensive foundation and a seasoned voice at the back, which could be critical against Bahia’s attack. Bahia will look to capitalize on home support and clamp down defensively to carry momentum into the second leg. The match promises a tense, tactical duel as both clubs push toward the next stage of the competition.
Summary: Fluminense visit Bahia for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals first leg, returning Thiago Silva to the lineup while regrouping several veterans. Bahia hosts with confidence from their knockout run, setting up a potentially closely contested tie.