The Grêmio is the first finalist of the Copa do Brasil. Playing in Belo Horizonte, the Tricolor Gaúcho drew 1-1 with Atlético-MG tonight, Saturday (7), securing qualification because they had already won their home leg 2-0.
Game development
The first half started at a fast pace. At the 11th minute, the Grêmio had an opportunity to score: Enamorado stole the ball from Castanõ, launched into counterattack and played it back to Carlos Vinícius, who shot powerfully but the ball went just past the left post.
At the 12th minute, goalkeeper Weverton saved the Tricolor Gaúiad twice: he stopped a strong shot by Castaño outside the box and caught a dangerous header by Vitão.
With more possession of the ball, the Minas team opened the scoring at the 25th minute. The play began with Bernard, who passed to Renan Lodi, unmarked, sending a bomb from inside the area into the top-left corner of the goal.
The Atlético-MG had a real chance to extend their lead at the 32nd minute, with a powerful strike by Bernard, but Weverton, alert, made an excellent defense.
At the 37th minute, Noriega took advantage of a rebound from a free kick and crossed it perfectly to Carlos Vinícius, who headed accurately into the back of the net. The draw was recorded: 1-1.
Second half
After halftime, Grêmio's coach Renato Gaúcho substituted attacker Enamorado for midfielder Dodi and the team began to defend more effectively.
Needing a two-goal victory to secure qualification via penalties, Galo went all out in attack. At the 11th minute, Alan Franco struck hard and nearly equalized, but the ball passed over the crossbar. At the 20th minute, Cuello attempted again, but shot high above Weverton, who defended securely.
At the 26th minute, Fred played a deep pass to leave Renan Lodi alone inside the box. When he tried to shoot, goalkeeper Weverton reacted faster, made a save, and prevented the goal.
Finalization of the game
The match was halted at the 29th minute when thunderstorms broke out in the stadium. After the meteorological interruption, play resumed with both teams on the field until the end.
At the moment of conclusion, Grêmio's defender Vitão committed a foul by kicking Braitewaite with his foot. The referee showed a yellow card, but after VAR intervention, the incident was reviewed and the defender was sent off. With one player fewer on the pitch, Atlético-MG was neutralized and the match officially ended 1-1.
Classification and next stage
Grêmio is the first finalist of the Copa do Brasil. This marks the 10th time this Gaúcho team has advanced to the final round of the competition.
The opponent in the final will be revealed this Sunday (8), following the return match between Vasco and Palmeiras, starting at 5:00 PM (Brasília time) at Estádio de São Januário in Rio de Janeiro.
The Verdão won their semifinal opening match 1-0 in São Paulo.