Juventude draws at home with Bahia and confirms its relegation to the second division

Juventudi could not postpone the inevitable. Although they showed fight and created chances until stoppage time, Caxias do Sul ended in a 1-1 draw with Bahia on Friday (28), at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, and ended up being relegated to the Brazilian second division.

The visitors took the lead in the first half with a brilliant shot from Ademir, after a quick move from Bahian’s attacking sector. The opening goal capped off Bahia’s technical dominance in the opening minutes, especially with the good movement of Everton Ribeiro, who led the attacking transitions.

Juventud’s reaction came quickly. From Marcelo Hermes’ cross, Gabriel Tagliari appeared inside the area and completed it the first time, equalizing the score, restoring energy to the team and rallying the fans. Since then, the confrontation has gained an intense rhythm, with good interventions from the goalkeepers and clear opportunities for both sides.

In the final phase, Juventude adopted a more aggressive stance and pushed Bahia to the defensive line. The best came through the feet of Najiba, Tagliari and Mandaka, but were faced with an inspiring night by Ronaldo, who ended up being the main name of the game with crucial saves, including a miracle stoppage-time header from close range.

Even with that effort, the result left the Rio Grande do Sul side with 34 points, with no mathematical possibility of leaving Z-4 after Santos beat Sport. As for Bahia, its score reached 57 points and continues its struggle for a direct place in the upcoming Libertadores tournament.

Juventude returns to action on Wednesday, at 7:30pm, again at Jaconi, against Santos. Bahia hosts Sport, at 8pm, at Arena Fonte Nova.