The 1988 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A was the 32nd edition of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. As the 1987 Copa União organized by the Clube dos 13 proved to be even more disastrously organized than the criticized 1986 edition, organized by the CBF, the 1988 featured the merging of both modules to feature the first ever tournament with real two divisions with promotion and relegation. The 1988 season began on September 2, 1988, and reached its end on February 19, 1989. The competition was won by Esporte Clube Bahia. Internacional's Nílson, with 15 goals, was the competition's top goal scorer.

Overview

It was performed by 24 teams, and Bahia won the championship. The four worst-placed teams, which were Bangu, Santa Cruz, Criciúma, and América-RJ, were relegated to the following year's second level.

Competition format

Participating clubs

Group A

Group B

Standings

First phase

First stage

Second stage

Second phase

*Fluminense defeated Vasco da Gama on Extra Time by 2-0. *''Bahia defeated Sport after two draws for having a superior score point on the first phase. Extra time was 0-0.''

The final

Bahia: Ronaldo; Tarantini, João Marcelo, Claudir and Edinho; Paulo Rodrigues, Zé Carlos and Bobô; Osmar, Charles (Sandro) and Marquinhos. Head coach: Evaristo de Macedo. Internacional: Taffarel; Luiz Carlos Winck (Diego Aguirre), Aguirregaray, Nenê and João Luís; Norberto, Luís Carlos Martins and Leomir; Maurício (Hélder), Nílson and Edu. Head coach: Abel Braga. Internacional: Taffarel; Luiz Carlos Winck, Aguirregaray, Norton and Casemiro; Norberto, Luís Fernando and Luís Carlos Martins, Maurício (Hélder), Nílson and Edu. Head coach: Abel Braga. Bahia: Ronaldo; Tarantini, João Marcelo, Claudir (Newmar) and Paulo Róbson; Paulo Rodrigues, Zé Carlos and Bobô (Osmar); Gil, Charles and Marquinhos. Head coach: Evaristo de Macedo.

Final standings