In 2009, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, the second level of the Brazilian League, was contested by 20 clubs from May 8 to November 29, 2009.
Vasco da Gama was relegated for the first time in history, meanwhile Bahia and Guarani came back from Série C in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
On round 34, after defeating Juventude 2−1 in a packed Maracanã Stadium, Vasco clinched their promotion.
In the very same day, ABC and Fortaleza also booked their trip to Série C, meanwhile 1988 Brazilian champions Bahia avoided relegation after flirting with it in the last rounds.
Brasiliense, Ipatinga and América de Natal good results sent Juventude to the third level of Brazilian football after spending 15 years in Séries A and B.