Vitoria vs Bahia: Can Ceni's men end drawing streak?
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Vitoria take on Bahia in round 24 of the 2026 Serie A season on 23 August, with the hosts desperate to pull clear of the relegation scrap while the visitors seek to convert a string of draws into a much-needed victory.
Vitoria Form Guide: Slipping Towards Danger
Jair Ventura's side sit 13th in the standings, having collected 26 points from their opening 22 league fixtures. Their recent form makes for grim reading: four defeats and only one win across the last six outings have left them just four points above the drop zone. A blunt attack has been the main culprit; Vitoria have managed only 22 goals all season, the joint-second worst return in the division. Another blank here would leave them looking nervously over their shoulder as the relegation battle intensifies.
Bahia Form Guide: Unbeaten But Stuttering
Rogerio Ceni's Bahia arrive in far healthier shape, sixth with 34 points from 23 games, yet their campaign has been defined by an inability to close out matches. The club are unbeaten in their last six league contests, but five of those have finished level the last four in succession. With only one victory in that run, the Tricolor have squandered opportunities to cement a top-four spot. A solid defence, breached just 28 times in 23 games, gives them a platform, but turning possession into goals remains the unresolved puzzle.
Key Battle: Vitoria's Toothless Attack vs Bahia's Resilient Defence
Vitoria's 22 goals in 22 matches underline the challenge facing Ventura's forwards. Bahia's backline, meanwhile, has been breached only 28 times in 23 outings, suggesting the visitors will be difficult to break down. At the other end, Ceni's men have netted 32 times and will look to exploit a Vitoria defence that has already conceded 33. If the hosts can snatch an early lead, Bahia's recent habit of settling for a point could be tested; if they cannot, another low-scoring stalemate looms.
Team News and Injury Latest
No fresh injuries or suspensions have been reported for either side ahead of the contest. Ventura is expected to keep faith with the core of the side that started the last league match, while Ceni may consider adjustments in attack to spark a more clinical edge after four consecutive draws. Both managers should have full squads at their disposal as team-mates push for starting berths.
Vitoria know that three points could lift them several places and ease the immediate pressure, while Bahia see a win as a chance to close the gap on the top four. With the season entering its decisive phase, neither side can afford another afternoon of what-ifs.

