Bahia vs Fortaleza Prediction: Both teams need a win

Bahia vs Fortaleza: Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on November 20, 2025

Bahia and Fortaleza will meet at the Arena Fonte Nova in a crucial game for both sides. Although the two teams have different objectives, any result other than a win will be damaging for both.

Bahia: Form and statistics

Bahia drew 2-2 away to Internacional in Porto Alegre, but still managed to retain fifth place as its main rivals, Botafogo and Fluminense, also drew. Therefore, the result ended up being positive for the Bahians, who left this round with a little more confidence, given the usual difficulties they experience on the road. The teams that finish in the top five will qualify directly for the Copa Libertadores group stage, and so Bahia remains well placed to achieve its goal. The game against Internacional was very complicated, as the home team was winning 2-0 with two goals from Vitinho, scored in the 14th and 49th minutes. However, Rogério Ceni's team managed to react, reducing the deficit in the 60th minute through striker Willian José, with a smooth right-footed finish after an assist from Ademir. The Bahians never lost faith and reached a draw in the 94th minute with a goal from Tiago. The young striker tapped the ball into the net after anticipating that his teammate, David Duarte, would head the ball into the six-yard box.

Bahia: Lineup

Rogério Ceni can finally return to his ideal lineup after a period in which the team suffered several injuries. Michel Araújo is suspended after receiving his third yellow card.

🔖Bahia starting lineup (4-3-3)

Ronaldo – Gilberto, David Duarte, Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba –Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro – Ademir, Willian José, Erick Pulga.

⛔️Out: Gabriel Xavier, Sanabria (injured), Michel Araújo (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Rogério Ceni

Fortaleza: Form and statistics

Fortaleza is still in a dramatic situation, but for now, it is showing no signs of giving up. The Cearenses tied 3-3 away with Atlético Mineiro after being down 3-1. Deyverson was the man of the match, scoring all three goals for Fortaleza. The eccentric striker scored a hat-trick against his former team and apologized three times to Atlético fans in yet another comical moment in his career. At halftime, Atlético was winning 2-0 with goals from Hulk and Vitor Hugo, and the winner of the game seemed to be decided. Fortaleza pulled one back early in the second half, but the Mineiros restored their two-goal lead through Dudu in the 61st minute. The Cearenses never gave up, and a penalty converted by Deyverson, of course, left everything open again. When everyone was waiting for the final whistle, Deyverson scored a somewhat fortunate but entirely deserved goal, as the visitors never stopped believing in the draw. Martín Palermo's team remains in 19th place and has not lost in five games, although it has drawn the last four. Fortaleza, however, is a little further from salvation, as it is now five points behind Santos, the first team outside the relegation zone.

Fortaleza: Lineup

Bareiro and Matheus Pereira are back after serving their bans. Lucas Sasha is suspended.

🔖Fortaleza starting lineup (4-3-3)

Brenno – Mancuso, Gazal, Gastón Ávila, Bruno Pacheco – Pierre, Matheus Pereira, Pochettino – Herrera, Breno Lopes, Deyverson

⛔️Out: Brítez, João Ricardo, Marinho, Rodrigo, Martínez, Weverson (injured), Kuscevic (national team), Lucas Sasha (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Martín Palermo

Bahia vs Fortaleza: Head-to-head statistics

The two teams have met 49 times, and Bahia holds the advantage in the head-to-head record. The Baianos have won 19 games while the Cearenses have won 14. On 16 occasions, the matches have ended in a stalemate. This season, the two sides drew 1-1 in Fortaleza.

Bahia vs Fortaleza: Betting tips & Odds

• Bahia has conceded first in its last four matches. You can bet that Fortaleza will be the first team to score for 2.88 at Bet365;
• Bahia has won 9 of its last 10 home games. You can bet on Bahia winning for 1.50 at Betway;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won three times in Fortaleza’s last four away matches. You can bet on a game with no more than two goals (TU 2.5) for 2.24 at 1xBet.

Bahia vs Fortaleza match prediction 21 November 2025

It is a crucial game for both teams. Bahia has won nine of its last ten home games, so it is the clear favorite. Fortaleza needs to win to keep its chances of avoiding relegation alive, but Bahia also must win to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, which complicates the task for the Cearenses. I'm going to bet on a Bahia victory with a maximum of five goals scored to increase the odds.

Our match prediction: Bahia to win & TU 5.5 for 1.63 at 1xBet.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: BTTS - Yes for 1.75 at Betway.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 2-1 for 8.5 at Bet365.