Fluminense vs Bahia

The first half was a scrappy affair with few clear chances. The first shot on target arrived in the 39th minute when John Kennedy — starting up front — took a low cross-goal shot after a through ball from J. Savarino, but Bahia's goalkeeper saved well. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Bahia won a free kick on the edge of the box. Rodrigo Nestor struck it hard toward the corner, forcing Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio into a sharp save to keep the score level at 0-0 at half-time.

Both managers made wholesale changes at the break. Fluminense coach Luis Zubeldía sent on an entirely new XI, introducing Hulk, Yeferson Soteldo, Samuel Xavier, and others. Bahia also made eight substitutions at half-time, with two more to follow.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute. Samuel Xavier won a penalty for Fluminense, and Hulk — the 39-year-old former Brazil international — stepped up to convert emphatically, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was his first goal in a Fluminense shirt since joining the club.

Thiago Silva replaced Renê in the 68th minute to a warm reception from the Maracanã crowd, making his first appearance since returning to the club where he began his career.

Fluminense sealed the win in the 85th minute. Hulk played Samuel Xavier through down the right flank, and the right-back delivered a low cross into the box. Germán Cano, who had replaced Riquelme eight minutes earlier, swept the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

A goalless first half with minimal chances was transformed by Zubeldía's decision to field an entirely different XI for the second period. The fresh legs of Hulk and Samuel Xavier immediately gave Fluminense more attacking impetus. Samuel Xavier's run to win the penalty in the 67th minute — his first significant involvement — broke the deadlock and forced Bahia to chase the game.

Hulk — The veteran forward opened his Fluminense account with a composed penalty and turned provider for the second goal, playing the key pass that sent Samuel Xavier clear down the right. "We pay a huge price," Hulk said after the match, reflecting on the discipline required to prolong his career (Saudações Tricolores, 12 July 2026).

Germán Cano — Came off the bench to score Fluminense's second, his second goal in as many friendlies after also finding the net against Nova Iguaçu. Cano had gone scoreless in the first half of 2026, and these goals may boost his bid for a starting spot in a now-crowded attack.

Samuel Xavier — The right-back won the decisive penalty and provided the assist for Cano's goal, playing a key role in both second-half goals after entering at half-time.

Thiago Silva — The 41-year-old centre-back made his long-awaited return debut for Fluminense, coming on in the 68th minute. "I came back to where I was happy," he said earlier in the week (Saudações Tricolores, 12 July 2026).

The match statistics reflect a typical pre-season friendly: seven yellow cards (four for Bahia, three for Fluminense) and a combined 20 substitutions point to a stop-start contest with little rhythm. The first half produced almost no goalmouth action — the first shot came in the 39th minute, and both teams managed only one on-target attempt each before the break. Fluminense's second-half xG was driven almost entirely by the penalty and Cano's finish, while Bahia failed to register a shot on target after the interval despite enjoying more possession.

Fluminense completed their mid-season friendly programme with three wins: 5-0 vs São Cristóvão, 6-1 vs Nova Iguaçu, and 2-0 vs Bahia. The result provides a confidence boost ahead of the Brasileirão Série A restart. Fluminense host RB Bragantino on 17 July in Round 19, followed by a trip to Grêmio. Both matches are at the Maracanã and Arena do Grêmio respectively.

For Bahia, the friendly served as preparation for their own Brasileirão campaign, with the team yet to announce their next fixture at the time of writing.

A controlled second-half performance gave Fluminense a deserved win, but the scoreline tells only part of the story. The bigger picture for Zubeldía is that two new signings — Hulk and Thiago Silva — are integrating into the squad, and Cano appears to be rediscovering his scoring touch. The first half's lack of incision will be a concern, but pre-season friendlies are judged on fitness and sharpness, not aesthetics.

Player of the match: Hulk (1 goal, 1 assist, first Fluminense goal)