Grêmio Routes Fortaleza, Moves up to Fifth Place

Grêmio scored three times in the first 35 minutes to put Fortaleza away early en route to a 4-1 win at Centenário Stadium, in Caxias do Sul. It was the Tricolor’s fourth victory in its past five games and second at Centenário where it has outscored opponents 6-1. With the win, Grêmio (29 pts) jumped into 5th place and is now within 2 points of the Libertadores Cup qualifying zone. Fortaleza (20 pts) dropped into 19th place, ahead of only Santa Cruz (18 pts).

Ironically, it was Fortaleza who got the first shot on goal with Mazinho Lima in the 1st minute. But Grêmio quickly took over the game, showing that they can dominate even without a home crowd behind them. The Tricolor took the lead in the 24th when Jeovânio crossed into the area to Romulo, who then set up Léo Lima for the score: Grêmio, 1-0. Three minutes later, Hugo found a hole in the defense and made it 2-0. In the 35th, he earned a penalty kick, converted by Rômulo: Grêmio, 3-0. In a span of just eleven minutes, the game was decided.

With a 3-0 lead, Grêmio looked to work down the clock in the second half. As a result, they relaxed a little on defense, allowing Fortaleza some room to maneuver. Even so, the visitors were unable to get a shot on goal until the 35th when Nunes, after finding himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, shot over the crossbar. One minute later, Mazinho Lima saved Fortaleza’s honor and got them on the board: Grêmio, 3-1. Following the score, Grêmio once again went on the attack. With fresh legs, Herrera and Rafinha gave the tired Fortaleza defense fits. In the final minute, the Argentine added another score after receiving a pass from Hugo: Grêmio, 4-1.

Grêmio has reached the midpoint of the Brazilian Championship having surpassed all expectations. When the season began, the goal was to fight for a berth in the South American Cup. But now, the Tricolor can set its sights higher. The same team that started 1-0-3 is now only 2 points out of the Libertadores Cup zone. Grêmio, who relied mainly on heart and teamwork when it upset Internacional in the Gaúcho Championship finals, now has the talent to go along with it. Players like Hugo, Léo Lima and Rômulo have proven themselves to be of high caliber. Now that the team appears to have reached maturity, Grêmio will look to make some noise in the second half of the season.

Até a pé nós iremos . . .

Grêmio (4)	Fortaleza (1)
Léo Lima (24') Hugo (27') Rômulo (35' PK) Herrera (91+')	Mazinho Lima (81')
Léo Lima (34' ) Lucas (86') Marcelo Grohe (88')	Dude (34') Wendel (35') Bruno Barros (89')
Venue:  Centenário Stadium, Caxias do Sul (RS)
Grêmio: Marcelo Grohe; Patrício, William, Evaldo and Escalona; Jeovânio, Lucas, Léo Lima (Rafinha, 83'), Ramón (Herrera, 74') and Hugo; Rômulo. Coach: Mano Menezes	Fortaleza: Albérico; Ivan, Dezinho, Alan and Bruno Barros; Dude, Wendel (Chicão, 67'), Ramalho (Rinaldo, HT), Lúcio and Mazinho Lima; Finazzi (Nunes, 79'). Coach: Hélio dos Anjos