

Flamengo/RJ Women edged EC Bahia Women 3-2 in a pulsating Brazilian Women's Cup encounter on November 8, 2026. A late winner settled a five-goal thriller that showcased the attacking quality of both sides and kept the home crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Match Overview
Flamengo/RJ Women started brightly, pressing high and forcing EC Bahia Women into early mistakes. The home side's dominance paid off in the 12th minute when a swift move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned in at the near post. Bahia responded well, gradually finding their rhythm and equalizing in the 28th minute through a well-worked set-piece routine that caught the Flamengo defense flat-footed.
Just before halftime, Flamengo regained the lead with a moment of individual brilliance—a curling shot from the edge of the box that left the Bahia goalkeeper with no chance. The second half was a end-to-end affair, with Bahia equalizing for a second time in the 67th minute after a goalmouth scramble. But Flamengo had the final say, scoring the winner in the 82nd minute with a clinical counter-attack.
Key Moments
- 12' – Flamengo/RJ Women open the scoring with a close-range finish after a flowing team move.
- 28' – EC Bahia Women equalize from a corner, heading home unchallenged.
- 45+2' – Flamengo retake the lead with a stunning curled effort from outside the box.
- 67' – Bahia level again, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area.
- 82' – Flamengo score the winner, finishing off a rapid breakaway.
Tactical Story
Flamengo/RJ Women lined up in an attacking 4-3-3, with their full-backs pushing high to overload the flanks. This approach created numerous chances but also left them exposed to Bahia's quick counter-attacks. EC Bahia Women, using a compact 4-2-3-1, looked to absorb pressure and hit on the break, and they nearly stole a point with their clinical finishing.
The midfield battle was key: Flamengo's creative No. 10 found pockets of space between the lines, while Bahia's double pivot worked tirelessly to screen the defense. In the end, Flamengo's superior fitness and bench impact made the difference, as their substitutes injected fresh energy in the final 20 minutes.
Standout Performers
Flamengo's forward line was relentless, with the winning goalscorer delivering a player-of-the-match performance. Her movement and link-up play constantly troubled Bahia's back four. For Bahia, the attacking midfielder was a constant threat, scoring one and assisting another. Both goalkeepers made important saves, but it was Flamengo's clinical edge in the final third that proved decisive.
What the Result Means
The victory sends Flamengo/RJ Women into the next round of the Brazilian Women's Cup, where they will face a tougher test against one of the tournament's favorites. For EC Bahia Women, the defeat ends their cup run, but their spirited performance will give them confidence for the remainder of the league season. Flamengo's ability to grind out a win when not at their best is a sign of a team capable of going deep in this competition.