Botafogo Rio de Janeiro — Bahia : Match Preview and Prediction for October 02,2025

Botafogo’s Recent Performance Dip

Regrettably, following their Club World Cup campaign, Botafogo has shown a noticeable dip in form, almost disappearing from the spotlight. The team is now merely contending for fourth place in the Brazilian championship, and the Rio representatives have already been eliminated from the international cup competition.

Squad Challenges and Home Form

Botafogo faced challenges with player departures and a string of injuries, ultimately leading to their elimination from the Brazilian Cup. In the league, ‘The Lone Star’ has managed only one victory in their last five matches. However, there are some positives. In the derby against Fluminense, the team performed commendably even away from home, though they lacked finishing touch. Overall, Ancelotti’s squad remains formidable in home fixtures this season, securing 6 wins in 12 league rounds, and they rightfully defeated Atletico Mineiro in their most recent home game.

Bahia’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

As for Bahia, the team currently trails Botafogo in the standings. Curiously, their defense is not their strongest asset. The main concern is that Bahia concedes more goals than any other team among the top seven in the Brazilian Championship.

Away Form and Recent Struggles

It’s important to highlight Bahia’s away performances this season, which have been far from stellar in Brazil. The team has lost 5 out of 12 matches played on the road. Furthermore, the squad genuinely struggles defensively, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match. They have also been knocked out of the Brazilian Cup, and prior to the last league round, they endured a four-match winless streak. Their recent victory against Palmeiras, though a very close contest, was a much-needed morale boost.