Vitória thrashed Coritiba 4-1 on Saturday night (May 2), in the 14th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at Estádio Barradão in Salvador. Renê scored twice, with Zé Vitor and Erick also finding the net. The result lifted the Rubro-Negro to 8th place with 18 points.
Vitória took the lead at 14 minutes when Matheuzinho recovered the ball in midfield, outpaced the defense, and crossed for unmarked Renê to score.
At 25 minutes, Coritiba's Tiago was sent off for fouling Renê. With the numerical advantage, Vitória doubled the lead from a free kick: Erick rolled to Zé Vitor, whose shot went through the wall for 2-0. Pedro Rocha headed one back for Coritiba late in the first half, making it 2-1.
In the second half, Renê assisted Tarzia at the 9-minute mark after a scramble, with the attacker firing home the third. Erick converted a penalty at 15 minutes, awarded after the ball hit Maicon's arm, sealing 4-1. Vitória dominated possession and chances but added no more.
Before kickoff, Vitória fans protested against refereeing during the national anthem, citing grievances from prior games against Athletico-PR and Flamengo. The club issued a statement contesting dubious penalty calls and unpunished fouls.
The win moves Vitória, with one game in hand, to 8th place on 18 points, closing in on 7th-placed Coritiba with 19. Vitória next faces Ceará on Wednesday (May 6) in the Copa do Nordeste.
