Bahia vs. Internacional 3-2: Player Ratings and Relegation Zone Trouble in Brasileirão

The result leaves the Porto Alegre side scrambling for survival with 13 rounds remaining in the Brasileirão season. Pezzolano fielded a heavily rotated squad, preserving key starters while managing a series of suspensions, but the tactical gamble backfired as Bahia surged into the top five of the league standings. Zero Hora’s traditional player ratings evaluation ("Cotação ZH") reflected the collective struggles of a squad sliding deeper into domestic turmoil.

Alan Patrick Earns Highest Mark Despite Defeat

Playmaker Alan Patrick delivered the standout performance for the visitors, earning a rating of 6 out of 10 from Correio do Povo. The midfielder scored one goal and provided the assist for the other, orchestrating the majority of Inter’s offensive movements before fading under intense pressure from the Bahia midfield.

Aside from Alan Patrick, few Colorado players managed to pass muster. Midfielder Bruno Henrique received a rating of 5, labeled the best among a lackluster midfield unit that repeatedly surrendered possession and territory. Winger Vitinho also finished with a 5, scoring a routine goal but missing a much simpler chance that could have altered the match’s trajectory.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Individual Struggles

Inter’s defensive frailties proved decisive at the Arena Fonte Nova. Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha received a rating of 4 after faulting on one of Bahia’s goals and failing to project defensive stability. Central defender Félix Torres earned a matching 4 for an erratic display marked by poor positioning against Bahia’s forward line.

Partnering Torres, Guillermo Maripán received a 5 for working overtime to cover defensive lapses. Along the flanks, full-backs Aguirre and Matheus Bahia earned marks of 4.5 and 5 respectively, with Aguirre providing notable industry after shifting to the left side before tiring.

In the engine room, Thiago Maia struggled with match fitness and tempo, recording a 4.5 rating before being substituted in the second half. Midfielder Ronaldo also finished with a 4.5, showing visible work rate but failing to knit the midfield lines together.

Tactical Substitutions Fall Flat

Pezzolano introduced several second-half changes to shift momentum, but the adjustments failed to yield results. Forward Carbonero received a 4.5 rating for a performance characterized by excessive individual play and rushed decisions. Striker Sanabria, introduced after the break, finished with a 4.5 after having virtually no impact or sights at goal.

Midfielder Calebe and left-back Bernabei both received ratings of 5. While Bernabei ran tirelessly down the flank throughout the 90 minutes, his current form remains well below the standards of his past scoring exploits. Late substitute Juninho earned a 4 for missing a clear scoring opportunity in the dying moments of the match, while fellow substitute Johan Eliasson left the pitch without a formal rating due to his brief appearance.

Manager Paulo Pezzolano absorbed a rating of 4 for a squad selection strategy that left key players sidelined and ultimately pushed the club into the Z-4 zone.

Stakes Shift to Copa do Brasil Decision

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, the team travels to the Arena do Grêmio to face arch-rival Grêmio in the decisive leg of their Copa do Brasil tie, needing a victory to advance to the tournament semifinals. Following the regional classic, Pezzolano’s squad faces a grueling run-in to escape the Brasileirão drop zone.