Esporte Clube Vitória is back in the Campeonato Baiano final. In an electrifying semifinal played on Sunday, at the Barradão, the Rubro-Negro drew 1-1 with Esporte Clube Jacuipense in regular time and confirmed their classification in the penalties, in front of their crowd. The spot puts the Leão da Barra face to face with their biggest rival in the state final. Walking into the confrontation, Mateus Silva advanced on the right and crossed back, the ball passed by Matheuzinho and found Renato Kayzer, who did not waste: 1-0 for Vitória before the opponent even organized on the field. The game had just started, but the situation changed at 15 minutes, when midfielder Caíque Gonçalves was expelled for hitting Pedro Henrique with his arm. With one less player, the home team had to retreat their lines and reorganize their defensive system to withstand the growing pressure from Jacuipense. Shortly after the expulsion, Hugo Moura almost equalized with a powerful shot from outside the area. Lucas Arcanjo slightly deflected, and the ball exploded on the crossbar, drawing sighs from the Barradão crowd. The Leão do Sisal continued to press, exploring crosses and medium-distance finishes, while Vitória tried to set up counterattacks. In the second half, the visiting team intensified their search for the equalizer. Thiaguinho scared with a first-time shot, requiring a good defense from Arcanjo. On the other side, Ramon had a clear chance after a beautiful play involving Kayzer and Baralhas, but was stopped by goalkeeper Marcelo. Jacuipense's insistence paid off at 20 minutes into the second half. Alisson Daniel made an individual play and crossed to Pedro Henrique, free in the small area, to firmly test and equalize the score. With the 1-1 score persisting until the final whistle, the decision went to the penalty shootout. Renato Kayzer, Osvaldo, Aitor, and Marinho converted for Vitória. On the grená side, Thiaguinho and Flavinho missed, sealing the rubro-negra classification. Out of the finals between 2019 and 2023, Vitória now reaches its third consecutive decision, always against their rival. In 2024, they took the best; in 2025, the title stayed with Tricolor. Besides the Baianão, the teams will meet again on the 11th, for the fifth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, again at the Fonte Nova. While the Rubro-Negro celebrates, Jacuipense maintains its focus on the rest of the season's competitions, including the Copa do Brasil, Copa do Nordeste, and Série D. The calendar remains intense, but this time, the state dream stayed behind. The final date will still be officialized by the Federação Bahiana de Futebol, but the tendency is that the match will occur on Saturday or Sunday. The Leão da Barra is anxious for the big final and seeks the state title. With the classification, Vitória shows its strength and determination. The rubro-negra team is ready to face Bahia in the Baianão 2026 final. The home team is confident and seeks the title. The Vitória crowd is anxious for the big final and supports their team. Vitória is back in the Campeonato Baiano final and seeks the state title. The rubro-negra team is ready to face Bahia in the Baianão 2026 final.