Criciúma vs Bahia Prediction: The Baianos don't want to leave the top of the league

Bahia continues to show that it deserves to share the lead with Flamengo. Rogério Ceni's team didn't put in a great display against Fortaleza, who missed a few goalscoring chances but won 1-0. Great teams sometimes win without playing well, and the somewhat cynical way how the Baianos won suggests that there could be a potential title contender in Salvador.

The Tiger even started well in the game against Athletico-PR in Curitiba, opening the scoring after 8 minutes through Barreto, but then failed to withstand the Paranaenses' pressure and ended up losing 3-1. Despite everything, the team showed more organization than in the 5-2 home defeat against Cuiabá. Criciúma dropped into the relegation zone but has two games in hand, which gives some peace of mind. However, the team lost for the fifth consecutive game, and that should be enough to serve as a warning sign. Points are needed as soon as possible, so the match with Bahia is important for the Catarinenses.

The 30000 spectators at the Arena Fonte Nova let out their joy with Jean Lucas' goal in the 80th minute. The central midfielder's header came after an excellent cross from Éverton Ribeiro. The goal gave Bahia the victory but also allowed it to stay at the top of the Brasileirão. The fans are still dreaming and don't want to wake up any time soon. The game in Criciúma could boost expectations even further in the event of a win, as Flamengo, which shares the lead with the Tricolor Baiano, could drop points in Curitiba against Athletico Paranaense.

Bahia is full of confidence and hasn't wavered since reaching the top of the table. Some nerves or lack of experience could come into play while trying to maintain the lead, but that hasn't happened. The team has shown a great attitude even against theoretically more powerful opponents. Criciúma and Bahia met recently for the Copa do Brasil, and the Baianos won both games. It's normal to see surprises in the Brasileirão, so I'm betting on a Double Chance in favor of Bahia with a maximum of three goals scored in the game.