Flamengo vs Bahia Prediction: Expect an exciting game at the Maracanã

The Brazilian football fans are looking forward to this match with great anticipation. Flamengo and Bahia are in second and third place, respectively, just one point behind leader Botafogo, who has 19 points. Both teams led the Brasileirão until the previous round but drew their games, and the Lone Star team took advantage to move up to first place.

The Scarlet-Black held Athletico-PR to a one-goal draw at the Ligga Arena. The game was very even, and the goals only came in stoppage time. Fernandinho scored for the home side in the 92nd minute from the penalty spot after a handball by David Luís inside the area, and it seemed that the game was over. However, the Cariocas didn't give up and scored from a corner kick in the ninth minute of added time through Evverton Araújo. Tite wasn't on the bench due to suspension, but his son Matheus Bachi, Flamengo's assistant coach, motivated the team to get a good result. Tite will be able to be close to his players in a significant match against Bahia. The Baianos play technical football, and the Mengão must be cautious.

The Tricolor Baiano managed to avoid defeat in Criciúma after trailing 2-0. The Salvador team made several defensive errors and was penalized for it. Everaldo reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute, reviving Bahia's hopes. A few minutes later, Criciúma's goalkeeper received his second yellow for time-wasting, leaving his team down to ten players. Rogério Ceni's side equalized in the 72nd minute through Caio Alexandre but could not score a third goal. Despite recovering from a two-goal deficit, the Baianos could have made better use of their numerical advantage. Victory would have been morale-boosting for the clash with Flamengo.

Flamengo is the favorite for this meeting. The Cariocas play at home and are more used to matches with greater tension. The Baianos deserve to be at the top of the Brasileirão for the quality of their football, but now they have to prove their worth at the Maracanã. I'm backing Flamengo to win based on the club's vast experience in big games.