Vasco da Gama vs Bahia Prediction & Match Preview – 12 February

In the upcoming Serie A clash, Vasco da Gama will face Bahia on Thursday, 12 February. This match promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams vie for crucial points in the league. Although the venue details are not specified, anticipation is high, with both sides eager to make their mark.

Vasco da Gama, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with local conditions, while Bahia aim to challenge their hosts with a strong away performance. As the Serie A season progresses, each match holds significant weight, making this encounter a must-watch for fans and bettors alike. Keep an eye on how both teams approach this vital game.

Vasco da Gama vs Bahia Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Bahia Double Chance (Win or Draw)	1.6

Given the current form and historical context, backing Bahia on the double chance market appears a shrewd move. Bahia’s recent winning streak and their historical advantage over Vasco da Gama, combined with Vasco’s injury concerns, suggest Bahia are well positioned to avoid defeat.

• Bahia have won their last five matches, showcasing strong attacking form and impressive goal-scoring prowess.
• Vasco da Gama’s recent form is poor, with only one win in their last five games and struggling to score in two goalless draws.
• The head-to-head record favours Bahia, who have won three of the last five meetings, including away fixtures.

Betting Odds

In this intriguing Serie A clash, Vasco da Gama are priced as slight favourites at odds of 2.42, while Bahia are not far behind at 2.93. The draw is also a tempting option at 3.12, indicating that bookmakers view this as a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Vasco da Gama to win	2.42
Draw	3.12
Bahia to win	2.93

Given the odds, punters might find value in backing a draw or supporting Bahia, especially considering their potential to upset the odds away from home. Additionally, exploring the over 2.5 goals market could be worthwhile, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Vasco da Gama Analysis & Recent Performance

Vasco da Gama enter this fixture with a mixed set of results, having secured two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Their recent victory against Botafogo RJ (2-0) highlighted their defensive prowess, marking their third clean sheet in the last five games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Vasco da Gama	Botafogo RJ	2 – 0 (Win)	Carioca Taca Guanabara	8 Feb 2026
Vasco da Gama	Chapecoense AF	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	5 Feb 2026
Madureira RJ	Vasco da Gama	0 – 0 (Draw)	Carioca Taca Guanabara	2 Feb 2026
Mirassol	Vasco da Gama	2 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	29 Jan 2026
Boavista	Vasco da Gama	0 – 3 (Win)	Carioca Taca Guanabara	25 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Vasco da Gama have been relatively steady, averaging 1.40 goals scored per match and conceding only 0.60 goals over their recent five-game stretch. This balance has been critical in maintaining a win ratio of 40% at home. However, their inability to consistently find the net, with both teams scoring in just 40% of these games, suggests room for improvement in offensive coordination.

Team Dynamics:

• WDDLW

Philippe Coutinho has been a key player, contributing to the team’s attacking efforts. Despite their mid-to-lower league standing, Vasco da Gama’s recent form shows potential, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity. Their tactical setup has yielded three clean sheets, yet their attacking play must evolve to increase their win ratio beyond the current 40%.

Vasco da Gama Suspensions & Injuries

Vasco da Gama face a challenging situation with several key players ruled out due to injury. The absence of Jair, suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, significantly impacts their midfield strength. His ability to control the tempo and disrupt opposition play will be sorely missed. Additionally, Mateus Carvalho is sidelined with a similar injury, further depleting their midfield options. The team will have to rely on less experienced players to fill these gaps, potentially affecting overall coherence and tactical execution.

Paulo Henrique’s foot injury is another concern, though he is expected to return in about 1-2 weeks. This absence might necessitate a tactical shift, with Fernando Diniz possibly opting for a more conservative approach in defence to compensate. The lack of defensive depth could expose Vasco da Gama to counter-attacks, particularly against a quick Bahia side.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jair	Cruciate ligament injury	Early June 2026
Mateus Carvalho	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Paulo Henrique	Foot injury	About 1-2 weeks

With no suspensions to contend with, Diniz can focus on managing these injuries effectively. The tactical impact of these absences cannot be understated, as Vasco da Gama will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge. The betting markets might reflect this instability, with potential shifts in odds favouring Bahia given Vasco’s current challenges.

Vasco da Gama Key Players

Philippe Coutinho, Vasco da Gama’s top scorer with one goal, is pivotal to their attacking strategy. As an attacking midfielder, Coutinho not only provides goal-scoring prowess but also orchestrates play with his exceptional vision and passing ability. His dribbling skills and creativity make him a constant threat to Bahia’s defence, and his ability to score from distance will be crucial in breaking down defensive setups.

In the forward line, Brenner stands out as a key player. Known for his pace and keen eye for goal, Brenner’s movement will be essential in stretching the Bahia defence and creating space for Coutinho and other midfielders to exploit. Meanwhile, Carlos Andrés Gómez provides width and speed on the flank, offering a direct threat with his dribbling and crossing ability.

Expected lineup for Vasco da Gama

• Goalkeeper: Léo Jardim
• Defenders: José Luis Rodríguez, Carlos Cuesta, Robert Renan, Lucas Piton
• Midfielders: Cauan Barros, Thiago Mendes, Philippe Coutinho
• Forwards: Carlos Andrés Gómez, Nuno Moreira, Brenner

Defensively, Carlos Cuesta’s presence at centre-back brings solidity and composure to Vasco da Gama’s backline. His ability to read the game and intercept passes will be vital in nullifying Bahia’s attacking threats. Cuesta’s partnership with Robert Renan will be essential in maintaining a strong defensive structure.

Vasco da Gama Tactics & Formation

Vasco da Gama Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Not specified
• Key Forward: Philippe Coutinho
• Recent Clean Sheets: Three in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive performances and effective set pieces.

Under the guidance of Fernando Diniz, Vasco da Gama have shown resilience and defensive strength, as evidenced by their three clean sheets in the last five games. While their formation for the upcoming match against Bahia is unspecified, Diniz often emphasises a structured defence and efficient use of set pieces.

Philippe Coutinho, Vasco’s top scorer recently, remains a pivotal figure in their attacking setup. His ability to create chances and score crucial goals will be vital as they look to improve their goal-scoring average, currently at 1.40 goals per game over the last five matches.

Defensively, Vasco da Gama’s recent performances have been impressive, conceding only three goals in their last five outings. This defensive solidity is crucial for their strategy, allowing them to absorb pressure and hit on the break or capitalise on set-piece opportunities.

Bahia Analysis & Recent Performance

Bahia have demonstrated robust form in their recent matches, maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last five games. This includes victories against Vitória (1-0) and Corinthians (2-1), illustrating their capacity to secure results both at home and away.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Juazeirense	Bahia	1 – 1 (Draw)	Baiano	8 Feb 2026
Bahia	Fluminense	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	5 Feb 2026
Bahia	Porto SC	3 – 1 (Win)	Baiano	1 Feb 2026
Corinthians	Bahia	1 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	28 Jan 2026
Vitória	Bahia	0 – 1 (Win)	Baiano	25 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DDWWW

In terms of attacking prowess, Bahia have been consistent, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 0.80 goals per match, managing to keep one clean sheet. Their ability to score in each of these games highlights their offensive reliability, though slight defensive lapses are evident with goals conceded in four out of five encounters.

Bahia Suspensions & Injuries

Bahia face some challenges heading into their match against Vasco da Gama, with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Dell’s suspension following a red card in the previous match means Bahia will need to adjust defensively. The absence of Dell, a crucial component in their defensive lineup, might influence their ability to contain Vasco’s attack, potentially forcing Rogério Ceni to rely on less experienced players or to shift his formation to cover this gap.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Dell	Red card	1	Unknown

Ruan Pablo is currently sidelined with a sprained ankle, expected to return by mid-February 2026. His injury is a blow to Bahia’s midfield, where his presence and playmaking abilities are often pivotal. Without him, Bahia may struggle to maintain control in the middle of the park, and this could lead to tactical adjustments, such as a more conservative approach with an additional defensive midfielder.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ruan Pablo	Sprained ankle	Mid February 2026

These absences could impact Bahia’s overall team balance and depth, affecting their performance and betting odds. With two key players missing, Bahia’s chances against Vasco da Gama might be perceived as less favourable, potentially influencing betting markets to see them as underdogs in this fixture.

Bahia Key Players

Bahia’s key players for the upcoming clash against Vasco da Gama include their top scorer, Willian José, who has been instrumental with one goal this season. As a forward, José’s ability to find space and finish clinically will be vital in breaking down the opposition’s defence. His partnership with Ademir Santos and Erick Pulga in the forward line is expected to provide attacking impetus, with Pulga’s pace and Santos’s creativity likely to pose significant challenges for the hosts.

In midfield, the experience and vision of Éverton Ribeiro will be pivotal. Ribeiro’s ability to dictate the tempo and create opportunities could be the key to unlocking Vasco da Gama’s defence. Nicolás Acevedo and Jean Lucas are expected to provide the necessary balance between defence and attack, with Acevedo’s defensive capabilities complementing Lucas’s forward runs.

• Goalkeeper: Ronaldo
• Defenders: Gilberto, David Duarte, Santi Ramos Mingo, Luciano Juba
• Midfielders: Éverton Ribeiro, Nicolás Acevedo, Jean Lucas
• Forwards: Ademir Santos, Willian José, Erick Pulga

Expected lineup for Bahia:

Defensively, the presence of Gilberto and David Duarte will be crucial in maintaining solidity at the back. Gilberto’s leadership and Duarte’s physicality will be essential in dealing with any aerial threats posed by the opposition. Collectively, these players form the backbone of Bahia’s tactical setup, with their individual strengths likely to shape the team’s overall performance.

Bahia Tactics & Formation

Bahia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Not specified
• Key Forward: Willian José
• Midfield Pivot: Not specified
• Defensive Strength: Limited clean sheets, only one in the last ten games.
• Notable Strategy: High-scoring games, with both teams scoring in 80% of recent matches.

Bahia’s tactical approach under Rogério Ceni appears fluid, without a fixed formation being specified. The absence of a defined structure suggests adaptability, but it may also reflect a lack of consistency. This flexibility allows Bahia to adjust their strategy based on the opponent, though it risks undermining defensive organisation.

Defensively, Bahia have struggled to maintain clean sheets, achieving only one in their last ten matches. This suggests potential vulnerabilities at the back, which Vasco da Gama might exploit. The absence of a stable defensive lineup could further complicate their ability to thwart opposing attacks effectively.

Offensively, Bahia rely heavily on their ability to score, as evidenced by the fact that both teams have scored in 80% of their recent matches. Willian José remains a crucial figure in their attacking setup, being the team’s top scorer. This attacking mindset might leave them exposed defensively, but it also poses a significant threat to any opposition.

Vasco da Gama vs Bahia: Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Vasco da Gama and Bahia, Bahia hold the upper hand with 15 wins compared to Vasco’s 10, alongside 7 draws. The last encounter was a tight affair, with Bahia clinching a 1-0 victory at home in Serie A. Vasco will be looking to turn the tables this time around.

The last time Vasco hosted Bahia, they secured a convincing 3-1 win, showing their capability to perform strongly at home. Historically, Vasco have managed to pull off some impressive victories when playing in front of their fans, which could be a crucial factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Bahia	Vasco da Gama	1 – 0	Serie A	2025-11-23
Vasco da Gama	Bahia	3 – 1	Serie A	2025-09-24
Vasco da Gama	Bahia	3 – 2	Serie A	2024-10-29
Bahia	Vasco da Gama	2 – 1	Serie A	2024-06-27
Bahia	Vasco da Gama	1 – 1	Serie A	2023-09-03