Gremio, who last lifted the Brazilian championship in 1996, have proved that this could be their year, after a narrow 1-0 victory over Cruzeiro in Porto Alegre on Saturday night.
Gremio Beat Cruzeiro In Brazilian Soccer League MatchCruzeiro came into the match in second position of the 20-team league, two points ahead of Gremio, but it was obvious that they were going to struggle in hostile conditions at the Olimpico Monumental stadium, a venue where Gremio rarely lose at.
Gremio, who are coached by Celso Roth, took the initiative early on in the match, and they took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Paulo Sergio volleyed home a precise Rafael Carioca cross from the right wing.
The home side continued to pile heavy pressure on their opponents after going in front, and they created several clear-cut opportunities to extend their lead. Their strikers kept the Cruzeiro defense and goalkeeper Fabio very busy for the remainder of the first half, but couldn't double their lead.
Cruzeiro's Fabio made a number of good saves, keeping his side in the game. However, it seemed that they would be in for a very demanding second half.
Backed by over 30,000 vocal fans, Gremio dominated proceedings after the break, and looked to increase their lead late on in the half, but they couldn't beat an inspired Fabio for a second time.
The side from Belo Horizonte were unable to inflict their normal pressing game on Gremio, and although they lacked imagination in the midfield, they began to pick up their game as the half progressed. Still, they lacked authority in the attack.
Gremio, who along with Internacional are one of Porto Alegre's two "big" sides, settled for a 1-0 victory that sees them climb above Cruzeiro into second position of the league table, one point behind Flamengo, who have a game in hand.
Flamengo First In Brazilian ChampionshipFlamengo, who lost only their second match of the season against Coritiba mid-week, are looking for all three points when they entertain fifth place Vitoria at the legendary Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
In other important matches of round thirteen that also take place on Sunday, Brazilian champions Sao Paulo clash with Botafogo, Goias battle with Palmeiras, and Nautico play host to Internacional.
2009 Copa Libertadores Spots
When the Brazilian championship ends the top four clubs will automatically qualify for the 2010 Copa Libertadores, South America's most prestigious club competition. At the moment these clubs would be: Flamengo, Gremio, Cruzeiro and Palmeiras.
