Bahia vs Flamengo: head-to-head record, referee details and key information for Sunday's clash

Flamengo return to action this Sunday (18th) at 6:30 PM to face Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador for Matchday 31 of the Brazilian Championship. Following a 1–0 victory over Fluminense last time out, the Rio side are seeking three points on the road to reclaim top spot in the Brasileirão. Leonardo Jardim's side arrive on the back of an impressive ten-game unbeaten run this season.

The Rubro-Negro's objective is clear: claim victory to return to the summit of the Brazilian Championship. Palmeiras defeated Athletico-PR on Saturday (17th) and provisionally moved top. Flamengo, who have now gone ten consecutive matches without defeat, look to maintain their current momentum in the domestic competition, despite having had limited rest following Thursday's goalless draw with Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg.

For the encounter in Salvador, Jardim will be able to call upon Jorginho, who returns after serving a suspension last time out. Arrascaeta and Danilo remain sidelined as they continue their recovery from fractures, while Ayrton Lucas and Evertton Araujo are still in their final stages of physical rehabilitation. Saúl is also absent from the squad after suffering a knock in the match against Estudiantes.

Head-to-Head Record

Bahia and Flamengo have faced one another 101 times across all competitions, with the Rubro-Negro holding a clear advantage. The Rio club have registered 44 victories, with 31 draws and 26 wins for Bahia. Flamengo have scored 153 goals in the fixture, while the Bahian side have netted 103 times.

The recent head-to-head also favours Flamengo, who have won 13 of their last 14 meetings across the Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil. During this period, the Mengão scored 33 goals and conceded 11.

In the first round of the 2026 Brasileirão, the Rubro-Negro won 2–0 at the Maracanã, with goals from Arrascaeta and Lucas Paquetá. In the previous season, each side won at home: Flamengo triumphed 1–0 in Rio de Janeiro with a Arrascaeta strike, while Bahia claimed a 1–0 victory in Salvador.

Across the league, the clubs have faced each other 53 times, with Flamengo winning 25, 16 draws, and Bahia claiming 12 victories. The Rubro-Negro have scored 84 goals against Bahia's 51.

Referee Details

Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO)

Assistants: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) and Fernanda Nandrea Gomes Antunes (MG)

Fourth Official: Fabio Augusto Santos Sa Junior (SE)

VAR: Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro (RN).