Bahia eliminated Botafogo in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil by winning 1-0 at home after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The only goal of the night was scored by Luciano Rodríguez, a recent signing and one of the most promising players in the region.
The Uruguayan came on in the 72nd minute for Rogério Ceni’s team, and just before the end, when it seemed the match would end in another draw, he showcased his magic to break the deadlock. He received the ball inside the area and struck a right-footed shot that hit the back of the net.
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The 21-year-old’s debut goal for the club, which he joined on July 26, did not go unnoticed by his compatriot Luis Suárez. “Good scorer! Everything comes,” posted the former Grêmio forward on Instagram, along with a video showing him watching the match from the United States, his new home as a player for Inter Miami.
Both players have been part of the Uruguay national team, although Luciano Rodríguez was not called up by coach Marcelo Bielsa for the last Copa América 2024. The Bahia player has repeatedly cited Suárez as his idol and reference.
In addition to Bahia, the following teams are in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil: Flamengo, Corinthians, Athletico Paranaense, Juventude, Vasco da Gama, and Atlético Mineiro. Today, the remaining matchup will be decided between Goiás and São Paulo, following a first leg that ended 2-0 in favor of Luis Zubeldía’s team.
