Vitória meets 50% of the established goals and ends the year with a positive balance

Vitória started the season with four goals established by the board. Although the main objective was to remain in the first division of the Brasileirão, the club also had missions defined for the other three competitions in 2024 – Campeonato Baiano, Copa do Nordeste and Copa do Brasil. The year was turbulent and only half of the planning was successfully completed. But it can be said that the balance was more positive than negative.

The plan was to reach the state and regional finals, in addition to reaching the fourth phase (round of 16) of the national knockout stage and ending Series A in 16th place. On the one hand, Leão failed in both World Cups. On the other hand, he became Bahia champion again after five seasons and also secured a place in the 2025 South American Championship.

Qualifying for the continental tournament came after the team experienced a rollercoaster in the Brasileirão. Vitória suffered in the first round, with just 26% success. The poor performance made Leão experience a dramatic fight against relegation. But, under the command of coach Thiago Carpini, recovery came.

In a great return campaign – the 7th best in the competition -, the red and black team piled up important results, until ending the season in 11th place, five above what they initially planned. With the final position, he also confirmed his return to the South American Championship after eight seasons.

In Baianão, the objective was to reach the final and regain state leadership, after falling in the group stage in five consecutive editions. It also exceeded expectations. Not only did they reach the final, they also won the trophy against their biggest rival, Bahia. The title came after a 3-2 victory at Barradão and a 1-1 draw at Arena Fonte Nova. It was Vitória’s 30th Bahian trophy, ending a six-year drought.

Despite exceeding targets in two competitions, Leão fell short of expectations in the World Cups. In Nordestão, the plan was to compete in the final again. An ambitious idea, as the club had not advanced in the decision since 2010, when they were champions after beating ABC in the final. To make matters worse, the red and black team had not qualified for the second phase since 2021. Something that happened again in 2024.

Vitória reached the last round of the group stage needing a combination of results. He even did his part and defeated Treze 3×0, at Barradão. But it also depended on a stumble by other teams in Group A, which did not happen. In the end, he finished only in 5th place in his group and suffered early elimination again.

In the Copa do Brasil, another farewell before its time. The club entered the competition in the third phase, as it was the champion of the previous Series B, and had the objective of reaching at least the round of 16. It didn’t. Right away, the team faced Botafogo. Still coached by Léo Condé, they lost the first leg, at the Nilton Santos stadium, 1-0, thanks to a goal from Eduardo. The return duel marked Thiago Carpini’s debut, but a new defeat was regretted. This time, 2×1, at Barradão. Luiz Henrique and Júnior Santos scored for Glorioso, while Daniel Júnior scored.

For 2025, the goals have already been established within the budget proposal. Once again, the club aims to reach the Baianão and Nordestão finals, as well as the fourth phase of the Copa do Brasil and 16th place in the Brasileirão. In addition, it plans the first phase of the South American Championship.