Grêmio Breaks Jinx, Retakes Second Place

Finally, the monkey is off Grêmio’s back. After nine meetings and seven years of futility, the Tricolor got its first ever win over São Caetano, a 2-0 shutout at Anacleto Campanella Stadium. The result helped Grêmio (51 pts) retake second place as Santos (49 pts) surrendered two late goals in a 4-3 upset loss to Botafogo and fell to fifth. São Caetano (26 pts) remained in 19th place after its seventh consecutive defeat, ahead of only Santa Cruz (24 pts).

As São Caetano’s lack of fan support made Anacleto Campanella practically a neutral field, Grêmio took the offensive initiative and dominated the Azulão. Things got even worse for the hapless home team in the 15th minute when Triguinho was ejected after committing a violent flying kick to Lucas’ ribs. But even with the numerical advantage, Grêmio was unable to cash in with a score until the 37th. Wellington, playing his best game in a Grêmio jersey, crossed into the area to Lucas, who blasted the ball past Mauro: Grêmio, 1-0.

With the lead in hand, Grêmio let off the throttle in the second half. Even so, São Caetano never seriously threatened, its only shots on goal coming from free kicks by former Grêmio star Anderson Lima. Midway through the period, Mano pulled Rafinha in favor of Paulo Ramos, who had last played in Grêmio’s 1-1 tie with São Caetano back in the June. In the 32nd, he found Rômulo open inside the area. The striker then put the game out of reach: Grêmio, 2-0.

Despite breaking the jinx and obtaining an important three points, not everything was celebrations after the game. Jeovânio and Patrício will both miss next week’s showdown with São Paulo due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, Mano Menezes was ejected near the end of the game for allegedly cursing at the referee. If denounced by the Superior Justice Sports Tribunal (STJD), he could be banned from 30 to 180 days.

With the win, Grêmio recaptured the No. 2 spot in the standings. Now comes the showdown with No. 1 São Paulo. Lose, and the Paulistas can start celebrating the title already as no one will catch them. Win, and the Gaúchos will keep their slim title hopes alive.

São Caetano (0)	Grêmio (2)
	Lucas (37') Rômulo (77')
Marcelinho (8') Thiago (23') Triguinho (23') Anderson Lima (89')	Jeovânio (12') Patrício (27') William (30') Lucas (53') Wellington (80')
Venue:  Anacleto Campanella Stadium, São Caetano do Sul (SP)
São Caetano: Mauro; Aderson Lima, Tiago, Gustavo and Triguinho; Márcio Hahn, Daniel, Marabá (Dinélson, 59') and Élton (Cláudio, 28'); Marcelinho (Gustavo, 72') and Martín. Coach: Hélio dos Anjos	Grêmio: Galatto; Patrício, Evaldo, William and Wellington; Jeovânio (Sandro, 72'), Lucas, Tcheco, Ramón (Aloísio, 71') and Rafinha (Paulo Ramos, 63'); Rômulo. Coach: Mano Menezes