Reserves Keep Grêmio Unbeaten

Grêmio lost its perfect record but remained unbeaten in 2007 after its reserve team tied 1-1 with São José-CS in Cachoeira do Sul. Mano Menezes Choosing to rest his starters for Tuesday’s Libertadores Cup clash against Cúcuta Deportivo, Mano Menezes fielded a squad full of backups and junior players. Even with the tie, Grêmio (22 pts) still holds a comfortable 8-point lead in Group 2 at the Gaúcho State Championship’s midpoint as Caxias (14 pts) was unable to gain any ground after its 1-1 tie with Brasil-Pe. São José-CS (7 pts) remained in 7th place.

The first half saw few scoring opportunities. With the home team lacking quality and the visitors lacking cohesion, there was little to get those in attendance at Joaquim Vidal excited about. São José played better at the beginning, but Grêmio started to find its rhythm by the end of the half.

São José-CS got a break 11 minutes into the second half when Sapucaia’s shot hit Thiego’s arm. Manga converted the penalty kick to give the home team the lead: São José-CS, 1-0. It was the first time all season that Grêmio has trailed in a game. Determined not to also suffer the Tricolor’s first loss, the reserves went on the attack. In the 23rd, Itaqui crossed from the right side of the area to a well positioned Aloísio, who blasted home the equalizer: 1-1. Neither team seriously threatened again as Grêmio managed to preserved its undefeated record.

São José-CS (1)	Grêmio (1)
Manga (56' PK)	Aloísio (68')
Neuri (60') Paulinho (67') Márcio Nunes (82')	Sandro (21') Thiego (41')
Venue:  Joaquim Vidal Stadium, Cachoeira do Sul (RS)
São José-CS: Márcio; Sapucaia, Márcio Nunes, Rudinei and Fabinho (Brida, 78'); Neuri, Odair, Kiko and Marcão; Manga (Felipe, 66') and Paulinho (Silveira, 69'). Coach: Teco Tatsch	Grêmio: Galatto; Jucemar, Pereira, William Thiego and Teco; Nunes, Sandro, William Antunes and Adilson (Itaqui, 22'); Everton and Aloísio. Coach: Mano Menezes