Grêmio defeats Atlético Mineiro and increases rival crisis

Despite being living a moment full of controversies involving the fate of Uruguayan Luís Suárez, not being listed by coach Renato Gaúcho, Grêmio overcame Atlético Mineiro at the Arena on Saturday night (22), in a match valid for the sixteenth round of the Brazilian Championship. The triumph of the tricolor from Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to putting the team back in second place in the table, increased the opponent’s crisis, which increased the sequence of games without a win in the season.

rookie star

Without key players in their squad, the home team managed to overcome the difficulties to command the actions of the match, occupying the offensive field in most of the initial stage. Just nine minutes into the game, Cristaldo took a corner kick to the right on the first post, the shot found defensive midfielder Ronald, the novelty among the starters, who headed hard to open the scoring at the Arena. The advantage made Tricolor keep pressing and almost returned the nets at 12, in Bitello’s kick, which ended up blocked by the defense at the last moment.

On the other hand, the team led by Felipão managed to recover in the confrontation a few minutes later, creating their opportunities with Paulinho, who concluded weak even unmarked in the penalty area. The attempts did not diminish and Galo came close to a tie before the break, Battaglia forced a great save from Grando in the 47th minute. The Gremista goalkeeper also avoided a great goal by the Argentine Pavón, who risked a bomb from afar.

balance has taken over

After alternating control of the match during the first half, balance prevailed in the final stage, but it did not discourage the scope of the teams, which continued to attack in search of the advantage. Atlético, in turn, continued to threaten the opponent’s goal in Paulinho’s talent, but the conclusion of the attack hit the net from the outside. The Grêmio fans’ response didn’t take long, Everson slotted in Cristaldo’s low submission, after a quick table.

Some changes were made by the two coaches, trying to rejuvenate the rhythm of the confrontation, but the home team did better, who almost increased the advantage in Mila’s poisonous kick at 26 minutes. With the positive result so far, Grêmio ended up retreating and gave space to the opponent. Before the forty mark, the Atletican attack started with Alisson’s cross, the pass found Alan Kardec in the middle of the area, scoring afterwards. The visitors’ goal ended up being annulled by an irregular millimeter position. Despite the pressure at the end, victory went to the Gauchos.

Atletica’s defeat in Rio Grande do Sul increased the indigestible fast of eight matches without victories, the last one was for Libertadores in June. Now, Galo has dropped to the thirteenth position of the Brazilian Championship, with 21 points. On the other hand, Imortal resumed the vice-leadership in the table, adding 29, 10 behind the current leader of the competition, Botafogo. Grêmio returns to the pitch for the national league only on Monday (31), against Goiás, in Goiânia. Meanwhile, Atlético Mineiro takes the field on Saturday (30), against Flamengo, in Minerão.

Featured Photo: Richard celebrating his first goal for Grêmio. Playback/Twitter