Burkina Faso
Nigeria
South Korea
United Arab Emirates

Bahiavs.Botafogo

sportsmole.co.uk, 5 August 2024, 20:33
A place in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil will be at stake when Bahia host Botafogo on Wednesday at Arena Fonte Nova.

This tie is all square heading to Bahia after these sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the opening leg last Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.

Match preview

After a rough opening 10 minutes in the first leg versus Fogo, Bahiaco persevered, scoring in the late stages of the opening half to earn a result.

It was the second time that Rogerio Ceni's men had conceded a goal at the Copa do Brasil this year and the second time in July that they came from behind to claim a result after falling behind 1-0.

Heading into this contest, they are on a six-match winless run across all competitions, scoring just a single goal or fewer in each of those outings.

You would think Bahia have the upper hand playing at home in this decisive contest, but since winning their opening seven Brasileiro Serie A fixtures in Salvador, Tricolor are winless in three successive encounters at Arena Fonte Nova, two of which were defeats.

With a victory on Wednesday, they would ensure themselves a place in the last eight of this tournament on successive occasions for the first time since 2018.

Bahia have won their last four matches when netting multiple times and have not lost when doing so since a 3-2 defeat to Vitoria in late March at the Campeonato Baianio final.

Last week, Estrela Solitaria did something we had not seen since the 2017 edition of this tournament, avoiding defeating in the opening leg of a Copa do Brasil last 16 clash.

That was the last time they made the quarter-finals of this competition, while they have been eliminated from the Copa do Brasil round of 16 stage in each of the past two campaigns.

It has been nearly 10 years since they won a second-leg round of 16 encounter at this tournament, defeating Ceara 4-3 in September 2014.

Artur Jorge's men are currently on a five-match away unbeaten run in all competitions, defeating Atletico Goianiense 4-1 on Saturday.

Thanks to that triumph, Botafogo are three points above Flamengo for first in the Brasileiro Serie A table, though the latter have a game in hand.

Fogo have lost two of their previous three visits to Arena Fonte Nova, but they won their previous match played there last year (2-1), their first away victory against them since 2017.

Bahia Copa do Brasil form:

W

D

Bahia form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

D

L

Botafogo Copa do Brasil form:

W

D

Botafogo form (all competitions):

W

D

D

L

D

W

Team News

In the opening leg of this tie, Bahia were without Cicinho due to physical discomfort, Rezende was sidelined with a groin strain and Ademir did not feature because of an unknown injury.

Thanks to a goal from Cauly in stoppage time, they head into this encounter all square, with the 28-year-old netting his team-leading third of the competition.

Botafogo did not have Rafael or Jeffinho available last week due to knee issues, Matheus Nascimento and Carlos Eduardo sat out with thigh discomfort, Junior Santos is unavailable due to a broken ankle, while Tiquinho Soares could be back from a bruised knee.

An early strike courtesy of Carlos Alberto gave them the lead in their previous match against Bahia, his first at the Copa do Brasil this year.

Bahia possible starting lineup:

Felipe; Arias, Xavier, Cuesta, Juba; Alexandre; Ribeiro, Cauly, Lucas; Everaldo, Biel

Botafogo possible starting lineup:

John; Suarez, Bastos, Barboza, Cuiabano; Gregore, Tche Tche; Henrique, Savarino, Alberto; Soares

We say: Bahia 1-0 Botafogo (Bahia advances 2-1 on aggregate)

The top priority for Fogo at the moment is probably maintaining their narrow advantage atop the domestic table, so we do not expect as much urgency from them in this contest.

On the other hand, Bahia have fallen out of the Serie A title race, so we believe they will be the hungrier side on Wednesday, keen to move a step closer to winning a trophy in 2024.

Previews by email
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atletico Mineirovs.CRB
Atletico Mineiro can avoid a third successive exit from the Copa do Brasil round of 16 with a victory on Wednesday against CRB in the second leg of that tie at Arena MRV.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fluminensevs.Juventude
Fluminense enter Wednesday night's Copa do Brasil round of 16 second leg against Juventude at the Maracana keen to overturn a first-leg loss.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Martial to Atalanta BC, Matip to Bayer Leverkusen
Atalanta BC are reportedly considering making a move for Anthony Martial this summer.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United, Liverpool target outlines his transfer plans amid exit talk
Feyenoord defender David Hancko has reportedly ruled out a summer departure despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'submit' Antony swap offer for Barcelona midfielder
Manchester United have reportedly offered Antony in a potential deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'close' to agreeing Victor Osimhen swap deal
Chelsea have reportedly made progress in their bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a blockbuster swap deal.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City transfer news: Striker 'closing in' on blockbuster move to La Liga giants
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are close to finalising a deal with Manchester City to sign Argentine striker Julian Alvarez this summer, according to a report.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bragantinovs.Athletico PR
Bragantino seek to overturn a Copa do Brasil round of 16 first-leg deficit when they host Athletico Paranaense in Wednesday's reverse fixture at Estadio Nabi Abi Chedid.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leeds transfer news: Star Championship winger on radar to replace Summerville?
Leeds United have reportedly received a response to an offer for Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villavs.Athletic Bilbao
After an unsuccessful trip to the United States, Aston Villa seek a morale-boosting win on Wednesday evening, when they meet Athletic Bilbao at Bescot Stadium.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has assured fans that Jude Bellingham's role will remain unchanged despite Kylian Mbappe's arrival this summer.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leicester City, Everton 'hold talks' with Juventus over 22-time international
Leicester City and Everton are reportedly interested in the signing of Juventus man Arthur Melo.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United to focus on Bayern duo after defensive target renews contract with club?
Manchester United target Gleison Bremer has agreed to sign a new contract with Juventus that will see him remain in Turin until the summer of 2029.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Celtic, Brighton 'battling' to sign 16-year-old Irish sensation
Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly moved ahead in the race for St Patrick's Athletic youngster Mason Melia.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Southamptonvs.Lazio
Playing the penultimate friendly of their summer schedule, Southampton welcome Lazio to St Mary's on Wednesday evening.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Real Madrid boss Ancelotti reveals admiration for Kepa
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been provided with hope of a return to Real Madrid later in the summer transfer window.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Red Devils miss out on £60.3m deal as announcement made
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Portugal international midfielder Joao Neves from Benfica, officially ending Manchester United's hopes of a deal for the talented teenager.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dortmundvs.Villarreal
Borussia Dortmund are set to play Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at CASHPOINT Arena on Tuesday.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: 32-goal striker 'to undergo medical this week'
Manchester United have reportedly moved closer to the signing of Chido Obi-Martin, who is set to have a medical at the club this week.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'receive £12.9m bid' from AC Milan for defender
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a £12.9m bid for Emerson Royal from AC Milan.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'receive £12.9m bid' from AC Milan for defender
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a £12.9m bid for Emerson Royal from AC Milan.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea handed testing tie in Europa Conference League playoff draw
Chelsea will play either Braga or Servette in the Europa Conference League playoffs later this month.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'set to receive' £20m offer for 21-year-old after £15m rejection
Liverpool are reportedly prepared to receive an improved offer for Fabio Carvalho from Southampton.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolves transfer news: Portuguese midfielder on radar ahead of new season?
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly identified a highly-regarded Portuguese midfielder as a summer transfer target.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sturm Grazvs.PSG
Wednesday night will see a battle between the Austrian and French champions as Sturm Graz and Paris Saint-Germain clash at 28 Black Arena for a pre-season friendly.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kyoto Sangavs.Nagoya Grampus
Kyoto Sanga will be looking to pull Nagoya Grampus into a relegation scrap when they square off in the J1 League on Wednesday.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milanvs.Al Ittihad
Looking to maintain their unbeaten status in pre-season, Inter Milan will welcome Saudi Pro League juggernauts Al Ittihad to U-Power Stadium in Monza on Wednesday night for a friendly clash.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.B. Leverkusen
Arsenal new boy Riccardo Calafiori might be in line for his unofficial Gunners debut when the North London giants host Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday's pre-season friendly at the Emirates.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Albirex Niigatavs.Jubilo Iwata
Albirex Niigata and Jubilo Iwata square off on Wednesday in what is a crucial relegation clash in the J1 League.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.B. Leverkusen
Two former Premier League midfield maestros now line up in opposing dugouts on Wednesday evening, as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal face Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Joel Matip to Bayer Leverkusen, Will Osula to Newcastle
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly interested in signing former Liverpool defender Joel Matip.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal, Man United suffer transfer blow as 21-year-old deal confirmed
Paris Saint-Germain and Netherlands playmaker Xavi Simons has rejoined RB Leipzig on loan for the 2024-25 season.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'doubts' emerge over £25.7m Mikel Merino transfer despite 'agreement'
Arsenal's proposed move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has reportedly been plunged into doubt due to concerns over the Spaniard's age.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kitcheevs.Atletico
Taking their pre-season preparations global ahead of the 2024-25 season, Atletico Madrid will lock horns with Hong Kong outfit Kitchee at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday night.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea discover potential 10 opponents ahead of Europa Conference League playoff
Chelsea have learned that they face the possibility of playing a potential Europa Conference League dark horse ahead of Monday's playoff draw.
5 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City transfer news: 28-year-old 'makes decision' on exit after Guardiola praise
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is supposedly keen to stay and fight for his place in Pep Guardiola's system following talk of a possible move away.
Show more

Top News

20 March 2025 talksport.com Danny Murphy was adamant in his opposition to Martin Keown's 'ridiculous' claim Liverpool 'bottled' the Carabao Cup final and Champions League. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Napoli are reportedly considering using Victor Osimhen in their attempts to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United during this summer's transfer window. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Wrexham are involved in just one of six League One fixtures this weekend following a series of postponements. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The time in which to renew Virgil van Dijk's contract is narrowing considerably but it is not yet time to panic, Reds expert David Lynch has insisted. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Agent Andre Cury has revealed a major factor that was considered before Estevao Willian agreed to leave Palmeiras for Chelsea. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk A new club is reportedly ready to enter the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Nelson Semedo during the summer transfer window. 20 March 2025 talksport.com One of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history, Sol Campbell actually could've gone anywhere. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Israel and Estonia square off at Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary where they begin their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in Group I on Saturday night. 20 March 2025 talksport.com The France national team have the most in-form forwards this season as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele have been lighting up European football. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Norway kick-start their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a trip to the Zimbru Stadium to face Moldova in their opening Group I fixture on Saturday evening. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Rangers fans are clamouring to get their hands on Vaclav Cerny's match-worn shirt and grab themselves a slice of Old Firm history. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is poised to break a national team record set by Wayne Rooney when the Three Lions face Albania in their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Kylian Mbappe is one of the top footballers of his generation - but his attitude could stop him from becoming the world's best player. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea have continued their strategy of snapping up the game's best youth players, although this time they weren't the ones to announce it. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal expert Charles Watts has told Sports Mole that he would lean towards selling Fabio Vieira this summer, despite the Gunners' need for creativity and the Portuguese's strong displays on loan at Porto. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Harry Kane will have fond memories of playing against Albania. 20 March 2025 talksport.com Bayern Munich have confirmed the heartbreaking death of 18-year-old Guo Jiaxuan following a tragic accident during a training match. 20 March 2025 talksport.com England fans must pump the brakes on their dreams that Thomas Tuchel can deliver the nation some long-awaited silverware. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly one of three Premier League teams to make 'initial contact' over a summer deal for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly made a shock move to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder and former Manchester City academy product Felix Nmecha. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Sporting Lisbon have confirmed that they have reached a double agreement with Chelsea for the transfers of youngsters Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City became the first team in Premier League history to lose seven consecutive home games without scoring a goal in their recent defeat to Manchester United. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Turkey vs. Hungary (Thursday, 5.00pm) Turkey will welcome Hungary to Istanbul for Thursday's first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoffs against Hungary. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will be looking for someone to step up in Lionel Messi's absence in Friday's 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Uruguay. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina have confirmed Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has withdrawn from the squad due to injury. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly identified Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as a possible replacement for Virgil van Dijk. 20 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk As part of their preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers, Northern Ireland are set to host Switzerland at Windsor Park for a friendly match on Friday. 19 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will be looking for someone to step up in Lionel Messi's absence in Friday's 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Uruguay. 19 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as a possible destination for Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who is currently set to leave the club for free in the summer.