In a thrilling encounter at the Arena in Porto Alegre, Grêmio showcased their dominance by defeating their arch-rivals Internacional 3-1, thereby advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 Copa do Brasil. This victory marked a significant moment in the tournament, especially following a lackluster first leg that ended in a 0-0 draw at Beira-Rio.
The match was characterized by a strong performance from Grêmio, particularly in the first half, which set the tone for their eventual victory. Carlos Vinícius opened the scoring early in the match, demonstrating his striker’s instincts by capitalizing on a loose ball in the box after a chaotic scramble. His goal came before the 15-minute mark, giving Grêmio a crucial early advantage.
Buoyed by the fervent support of their fans, Grêmio continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off when Vinícius doubled the lead after receiving a pass from Amuzu on the left wing. His quick burst of speed left the Internacional defense scrambling, and the Tricolor Gaúcho took a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime.
After the break, Grêmio maintained their composure and control of the match, facing little resistance from their opponents. They further extended their lead to 3-0 when Krovinovic scored, once again benefiting from an assist by Amuzu. This goal effectively sealed the match for Grêmio, putting them in a comfortable position as they approached the final minutes.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Internacional fought back in a desperate attempt to salvage their hopes in the match. Their efforts bore fruit when Vitinho scored a header, finding the net unmarked in the box after a well-placed assist from Alan Patrick. However, it was too little too late, as Grêmio's goalkeeper Weverton delivered an inspired performance, thwarting any further attempts from the Colorado.
With this victory, Grêmio not only eliminated their fiercest rivals but also set themselves up for a semifinal clash against Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil. On the opposite side of the bracket, Palmeiras and Vasco remain in contention for the national title, adding to the competitive landscape of the tournament.
For Internacional, the defeat was a significant blow, leaving them to focus solely on survival in the Brasileirão, where they currently sit third from bottom with just 25 points. They will look to rebound in their next match against Santos at Beira-Rio on Sunday, September 6. Meanwhile, Grêmio, positioned 15th with 28 points, will face Vitória at Barradão on Monday, September 7, as they aim to improve their standing in the league.
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