Gonzalo Plata heads Flamengo towards 3-0 win over Bahia

Gonzalo Plata arrived at the far post and helped turn Flamengo’s pressure into a convincing away win. His diving header gave Flamengo breathing space after Bahia had resisted for an hour.

Flamengo beat Bahia 3-0 at Arena Fonte Nova on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in round 31. Jorginho opened the scoring, while Lucas Paquetá completed the victory. Meanwhile, the result returned the Rio club to first place.

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Ronaldo keeps Flamengo out

Flamengo created enough early chances to make the eventual scoreline understandable. However, Bahia goalkeeper Ronaldo repeatedly prevented Leonardo Jardim’s side from turning their attacks into an opening goal.

Pedro threatened almost immediately, only for David Duarte to clear his effort off the line. Jorge Carrascal then tested Ronaldo several times as the visitors kept finding shooting positions.

Meanwhile, Erick Pulgar also forced a save with a volley following a corner. Near halftime, Pedro met Samuel Lino’s low delivery, but Ronaldo again kept the ball out.

Bahia occasionally threatened on the break without establishing the same pressure around the opposing penalty area. Nevertheless, the hosts reached the interval level and still had a result to protect.

Jorginho breaks the deadlock from the spot

Carrascal carried the ball into the area before Marco Moreno brought him down. Jorginho took responsibility for the penalty and sent Ronaldo the wrong way in the 64th minute.

GOL DO FLAMENGO Bahia 0x1 Flamengo ⚽️ Jorginho - Pênalti 🏆 Brasileirão Série A | 31ª Rodada 🏟️ Arena Fonte Nova 📺 @canalpremiere https://t.co/harOQwEvQb
— Futeboleiros (@Futteboleiroos) October 18, 2026

Until then, the goalkeeper’s saves had kept Bahia in contention. However, conceding first changed the demands on a home side that now needed to find an equaliser.Flamengo had finally converted pressure into an advantage.

Plata attacks Lino’s cross at the far post

Nine minutes later, Lino supplied the cross that created the second goal. Plata attacked the far post, launched himself towards the delivery and headed beyond Ronaldo.

GOL DO FLAMENGO Bahia 0x2 Flamengo ⚽️ Gonzalo Plata 🅰️ Samuel Lino 🏆 Brasileirão Série A | 31ª Rodada 🏟️ Arena Fonte Nova 📺 @canalpremiere https://t.co/VTkB8TfNJt
— Futeboleiros (@Futteboleiroos) October 18, 2026

The movement mattered as much as the finish. Instead of waiting outside the area, the Ecuadorian winger arrived where he could meet the ball. As a result, Bahia faced a two-goal deficit with little time to recover.

Gonzalo Plata helps Flamengo reclaim the summit

Paquetá added the third in the 78th minute after an individual move inside the area. His finish completed a second-half burst that settled Bahia vs Flamengo decisively.

GOL DO FLAMENGO Bahia 0x3 Flamengo ⚽️ Lucas Paquetá 🅰️ Guillermo Varela 🏆 Brasileirão Série A | 31ª Rodada 🏟️ Arena Fonte Nova https://t.co/TRFj3vHXYv
— abrihym (@abrahymak17) October 18, 2026

Consequently, Flamengo reached 67 points, one more than Palmeiras. Bahia remained on 49 and occupied seventh place.With seven rounds remaining, the Brasileirão title race still offers little margin for error. However, Flamengo left Salvador in control of first place.

Bahia seek a response at Santos

Bahia could not build a response after Jorginho’s opener, despite Ronaldo’s earlier work. Their next league assignment takes them to Santos on October 24.

Flamengo, meanwhile, return to the Maracanã for their Copa Libertadores semifinal against Estudiantes on October 22. That fixture is the return leg following a goalless draw in Argentina. The Brazilian club must now carry Sunday’s finishing into another demanding match.

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