With one less, Bahia starts a draw with CSA for the Northeast Cup - ISTOÉ DINHEIRO

Three matches moved the night of Wednesday (16) for the first phase of the Northeast Cup. At the Fonte Nova Arena, in Salvador, Bahia got a 1-1 draw with CSA, even though they played practically the entire second half with one player less.

The Steel Squadron, which had the chance to take over the top of Group B, is in third place in the bracket, with seven points. Azulão, which could also become leader in Group A, remains in second position, with eight points.

CSA opened the scoring in the 11th minute of the first half. The side Ernandes crossed and the forward Lucas Barcelos, with a header, sent it to the nets. Bahia pressed and had chances to equalize, but stopped on goalkeeper Marcelo Carné (twice) and on the crossbar, in a shot by striker Marco Antônio.

In the final stage, at three minutes, defender Luiz Otávio was sent off and left Bahia with ten men on the field. The embezzlement, however, did not diminish the impetus of the Tricolor, which reached the tie in the 29th minute, with Hugo Rodallega. The Colombian striker dropped the bomb at the angle of Marcelo Carne, who, this time, could do nothing.

The teams return to the field for the Northeast Cup at the weekend. On Saturday (19), Bahia visit Fortaleza at Arena Castelão, in the capital of Ceará, at 5:45 pm (Brasilia time). On Sunday (20), at 4 pm, CSA welcomes Náutico at the Rei Pelé stadium, in Maceió.

Sousa and Altos win

At Marizão, in Sousa (PB), Sousa defeated Sampaio Corrêa by 3 to 2 and kept on the tail of the G4 of Group B. Dinosaur was seven points and appears in fifth. Bolivia Querida, with four points, is fourth in Group A, but could be overtaken if Globo wins CRB on Thursday (17), at 7:30 pm, at Rei Pelé.

The goals all came in the second half. Striker Eron opened the scoring for Sampaio, but side Iranilson and midfielders Juninho Paraíba and Doda put Sousa ahead. Defender Pedro Carrerete discounted for Maranhão, but the reaction stopped there.

Sampaio has a new commitment for the regional tournament this Sunday, at 18:30, against Floresta, at Castelão, in São Luís. in Campina Grande (PB).

Campinense also took to the field this Wednesday, but was defeated by Altos, 1-0, at the Lindolfo Monteiro stadium, in Teresina. The club from Piauí, which scored with striker Elielton, in the first half, went to seven points, taking fourth place in Group B. Mirim (RN).

Raposa had a penalty in favor in the second half stoppage time, but the charge was saved by goalkeeper Marcelo. Rubro-Negro from Paraíba follows with two points, sixth in Group A.