Grêmio Opens Title Defense with Win

Playing in blowing winds and heavy rain, Grêmio began the defense of its Gaúcho state title with a slim 1-0 victory over São José-PA at Municipal Stadium, in Cidreira. The win puts Grêmio (3 pts) into a three-way tie for first place in Group 2. The Tricolor will now face 15 de Novembro (1pt) in its home opener on Wednesday.

The wind was a major factor as both teams found it difficult to control the ball. The first scoring opportunity for either team came in the 18th minute when a defender saved Ramón’s shot right at the goalline. Two minutes later, Diego Souza crossed into the area to Tuta, who netted his first goal for the Tricolor: Grêmio, 1-0. The rest of the first half was a series of erred passes and sloppy play due to the inclement weather.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was all Grêmio. The Tricolor dominated, trapping São José on its own side of the field. But the superiority did not translate into goals. Grêmio’s inability to put its adversary away almost cost them in the end as the final 10 minutes saw São José fight furiously for the tie. They hit the goalpost twice, the second coming on the final play of the game. But Grêmio held on and secured its first 3 points of the Gaúcho State Championship.

São José-PA (0)	Grêmio (1)
	Tuta (20')
Rafael Dias (25') Daril (35') Marcelo Müller (51') Anderson (42') Rafael Logerian (92+')	Bruno Teles (49') Pereira (52') Edmilson (60') Patrício (66')
Venue:  Municipal Stadium, Cidreira (RS)
São José-PA: Dudu; Darío, Bruno, Marcelo and Marcelo Müller (Anderson, 84'); Daril (Rafael Logerian, HT), Júnior Negrão, Rafael Dias (Rafael Xavier, 32') and Jeferson; Cléber and Franciel. Coach: Bagé	Grêmio: Galatto; Patrício, William, Pereira and Bruno Teles; Edmilson, Diego Souza, Tcheco and Ramón (Sandro Goiano, 83'); Everton (Carlos Eduardo, HT) and Tuta. Coach: Mano Menezes