Palmeiras turns on Bahia and touches leader Botafogo

In the early evening of this Black Consciousness holiday, Bahia hosted Palmeiras at Arena Fonte Nova. In an exciting confrontation, Verdão beat the hosts 2-1, in a match valid for the 34th round of the Brasileirão Betano. Verdão achieved an important victory with goals from Raphael Veiga, with a beautiful free kick, and Flaco López, in the final minutes of the match. Bahia took the lead with a goal from Lucho Rodrigues, but were unable to maintain their advantage against the current two-time national champion.

Confrontation that could decide the title

With the triumph, Palmeiras moves even closer to leader Botafogo. Glorioso, by the way, will have a direct confrontation with Abel Ferreira's team in the penultimate round of the championship, at Allianz Parque, which could decide the future Brazilian champion of 2024.

_{After a beautiful free kick, Raphael Veiga tied the match at Arena Fonte Nova. (Photo: Reproduction/Cesar Greco/Palmeiras)}

Bahia is going through a complicated phase, without winning in six games, which increases the pressure on coach Rogério Ceni. With the setback, Tricolor de Aço stops at 46 points and remains in eighth place, leaving its chances of fighting for a place in more distant international competitions.

Despite a below-expected technical performance, Palmeiras showed a lot of determination, which excited the fans present at Arena Fonte Nova. Abel Ferreira's team had to overcome an adverse score, but managed to draw in the first half with Raphael Veiga. In the second stage, Bahia dominated and even had a goal disallowed in the final minutes. Afterwards, Palmeiras took advantage of a cross to Flaco López, who headed it and, after a VAR review, the goal was confirmed, guaranteeing the victory by millimeters.

_{Flaco Lopez scored the goal that gave Palmeiras the victory. (Photo: Reproduction/Cesar Greco/Palmeiras)}

Broken fast

The victory in Salvador made Palmeiras break a 7-year fast without beating Bahia away from home, the last victory was in 2017, 4-2.

Now, Palmeiras turns its attention to the clash against the already relegated Atlético-GO at Estádio Antônio Accioly, next Saturday (23), at 7:30 pm. Bahia, on the other hand, will try to make peace with the victory and will play at home again, hosting Athletico-PR, on Sunday (24)at 4pm.

Featured photo: Raphael Veiga scored a beautiful free kick to tie the match against Bahia. Reproduction/Cesar Greco/Palmeiras