The final group-stage fixture of this year's Copa Libertadores will feature an all-Brazilian showdown to decide which of the two teams reaches the knockout round. Internacional need only a draw to progress, while Bahia must take all three points to secure qualification.
Heading into matchday five, Internacional were two points behind Bahia, and their chances of advancing appeared slim. However, the squad earned a crucial 2:0 away victory over Nacional, eliminating another contender in the process. Meanwhile, Bahia suffered a 0:1 away defeat to Atlético Nacional, dropping from first to third place in the group standings.
What’s the current situation in the Brazilian league? Although domestic form can offer some insight into Copa Libertadores performances — given it remains the strongest league in South America and arguably ranks sixth in global competitiveness — league positions are not always a reliable indicator. Internacional currently sit 14th in the standings and have gone four league matches without a win, while Bahia have lost their last two away fixtures.
Despite this poor domestic run, Internacional have played just one of those four league games at home — a 1:1 draw against Mirassol. Since early April, across all competitions, the team have registered four wins, two draws, and just one defeat. There’s good reason to believe Internacional will avoid defeat here, and given that Bahia have suffered three consecutive 0:1 defeats on the road, a home win appears likely.
