VAR breaks record with 10 minutes of stoppage in Corinthians vs Bahia in the Brasileirão Por Luís Henrique Costa
7 min de leitura
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The Neo Química Arena in São Paulo hosted a thrilling clash between Corinthians and Bahia, tied at 1-1 through the 40th minute of the first half on Saturday, August 16, in the 20th round of the 2025 Brasileirão Série A. The match, which kicked off at 9:00 PM, was marked by a record-breaking VAR stoppage of over 10 minutes, reviewing a stunning bicycle kick goal by Gui Negão for possible offside and interference with goalkeeper Ronaldo. The game, broadcast live on SporTV and Premiere, remains ongoing, with Corinthians pushing for a comeback and Bahia aiming to regain the lead. The packed stadium buzzes with the energy of the Fiel supporters, as Corinthians battles a precarious position in the standings and Bahia defends its G-4 spot.
Corinthians are in a tough spot, with only 22 points and teetering near the relegation zone. Bahia, with 30 points, maintains a strong campaign despite key absences.
- Key moments of the match:
- Michel Araújo’s goal for Bahia in the first minute.
- Corinthians’ goal disallowed at 4 minutes due to a handball.
- Gui Negão’s bicycle kick goal at 30 minutes, under VAR review.
- Over 10-minute stoppage for VAR analysis of the Corinthians goal.
- Game remains tight with both teams creating chances.
Historic VAR review
The over 10-minute stoppage to review Gui Negão’s goal marked the match as one of the longest VAR interruptions in Brasileirão history. At the 30th minute, the Corinthians striker executed a perfect half-bicycle kick after a mistake by goalkeeper Ronaldo, but referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli was called to the monitor to check for offside and possible interference. The delay sparked boos from the crowd and tension among players awaiting the decision.
Corinthians, despite having a goal disallowed earlier at 4 minutes, kept up the pressure. The review, extending past the 40th minute, scrutinized Gui Negão’s position and his impact on Ronaldo’s movement. The lengthy pause disrupted the game’s intense pace, which had been dominated by Corinthians after the equalizer.
- Details of the VAR review:
- Check for possible offside by Gui Negão on the goal.
- Analysis of interference with goalkeeper Ronaldo during the play.
- Total stoppage time: over 10 minutes.
- Crowd reaction: boos and protests against the delay.
Timeline of key plays
The match started with high intensity and pivotal moments from the opening whistle. Below are the most significant plays through the 40th minute of the first half:
- 1’: Michel Araújo opens the scoring for Bahia with a precise long-range shot.
- 4’: Rodrigo Garro’s goal for Corinthians is disallowed by VAR for a handball by Kayke.
- 7’: Gui Negão fires a dangerous shot just wide of Ronaldo’s left post.
- 27’: David Duarte receives a yellow card for a dangerous foul on Gui Negão.
- 30’: Gui Negão ties the game with a bicycle kick, under VAR review.
- 35’: Referee reviews the goal for over 10 minutes, checking offside and interference.
Corinthians fight against crisis
With just one win in their last ten matches, Corinthians entered the game under heavy pressure. Sitting 13th with 22 points, the team is just a few points above the relegation zone, making every home game critical. Coach Dorival Júnior, facing criticism after a 2-1 loss to Juventude, relied on youngsters like Kayke and Gui Negão to fill gaps left by absentees like Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay. The 4-4-2 formation brought dynamism, with Matheuzinho shining on the flanks.
The passionate Fiel crowd showed up in full force but expressed frustration with early defensive errors and the prolonged VAR stoppage. Gui Negão’s stunning goal rekindled hope, but the lengthy review slowed the team’s momentum as they push for a turnaround before the break.
Bahia holds strong in G-4
Bahia, fourth in the standings with 30 points, arrived at Neo Química Arena with a solid campaign, boasting eight wins and only three losses. Despite missing Everton Ribeiro, coach Rogério Ceni trusted Michel Araújo, who scored in the opening minute. The 4-2-3-1 setup leaned on the speed of Ademir and Kayky on the wings, though the defense faltered on Gui Negão’s goal.
- Bahia’s highlights:
- Michel Araújo’s early goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Solid defending led by David Duarte and Luciano Juba.
- 55.5% points efficiency in the Brasileirão, with 23 goals scored.
- Quick counterattacks as a primary offensive weapon.
Corinthians hold historical edge
Corinthians have the upper hand in head-to-head matchups against Bahia in São Paulo. In 23 Brasileirão clashes, the Timão won 14, compared to just three Bahia victories and six draws. Last season, Corinthians thrashed Bahia 3-0 at Neo Química Arena, a result that still resonates with fans. In the first round of 2025, the teams drew 1-1 at Arena Fonte Nova, with goals from Gilberto and Héctor Hernández.
The rivalry gained a new layer with the controversial transfer of Kauê Furquim, a young Corinthians prospect signed by Bahia. The Corinthians board accused Bahia of improper conduct, vowing to escalate the issue to CBF and FIFA, adding extra spice to the matchup.
- Head-to-head numbers:
- Corinthians scored 46 goals against Bahia in São Paulo.
- Bahia won only once at Neo Química Arena.
- Average of 3.1 goals per game in the matchup history.
- Last ten games: five Corinthians wins, two draws, three Bahia wins.
Refereeing in the spotlight
The refereeing, led by Paulo Cesar Zanovelli, has been a focal point. The VAR, operated by Rafael Traci, intervened twice: disallowing Garro’s goal at 4 minutes and reviewing Gui Negão’s goal for over 10 minutes. The extended delay, analyzing offside and interference, drew criticism from fans and players, who await the ruling to resume play.
Corinthians keep pressing, backed by the Fiel, while Bahia looks to cool the game with possession. The match remains balanced, with both teams creating chances, but the prolonged stoppage could affect the second half’s rhythm.
Tactics on display
Dorival Júnior opted for a 4-4-2, with Matheuzinho and Matheus Bidu attacking the flanks and Garro orchestrating in midfield. The young attacking duo of Kayke and Gui Negão added speed but still needs cohesion. Rogério Ceni’s 4-2-3-1 prioritizes defensive solidity and quick counters, with Michel Araújo and Ademir as key playmakers.
- Observed strategies:
- Corinthians: High pressing with crowd support.
- Bahia: Controlled possession to dictate the pace.
- Corinthians: Young prospects as offensive spark.
- Bahia: Wing speed with Ademir and Kayky.
Outlook for the rest of the match
With the score tied and the VAR still reviewing Gui Negão’s goal, the game hangs in suspense. Corinthians aim to sustain their attacking momentum, while Bahia seeks to exploit gaps in the Timão’s defense. The Neo Química Arena remains a cauldron, with the Fiel pushing their team. The VAR’s decision will be pivotal as the first half nears its end, promising more excitement.
