Grêmio Returns to Form

After three consecutive sub-par performances, Grêmio returned to form by beating 15 de Novembro 2-0 in Campo Bom. Grêmio (28 pts) leads Group 2 by 10 points and is now one point away from clinching a playoff berth. The Tricolor’s first ever win at Sady Schmidt Stadium also kept the club 4 points ahead of Group 1 leaders Juventude (24 pts) in the race for homefield advantage. 15 de Novembro (10 pts), who knocked Grêmio out of the Brazil Cup last year, fell into 7th place after yet another loss.

Looking to shake off the residual effects of the disappointing tie with Cúcuta, Grêmio came out clicking on all cylinders. The Tricolor dominated the first half, taking advantage of the spaces allowed by the 15 defense. The placement of Nunes as a sweeper was a huge factor as it freed up Lucas and Tcheco to help out the offense. In the 26th, Éverton broke into the area from the right side, dribbled his defender, and then found Ramón for the assist: Grêmio, 1-0. Just three minutes later, Tcheco lofted a perfect cross into the small area for a Diego Souza header: Grêmio, 2-0. He almost got a second in the 31st when he found the keeper out of position. His shot was perfect, but a running Márcio just managed to deflect it with his fingertips.

With the game in hand, Grêmio was content to play down the clock. As a result, the second half was devoid of any scoring opportunities. Grêmio seemed completely disinterested in the game while 15’s deficiencies prevented it from posing any real challenge.

Grêmio will now face São Luiz on Sunday, in Ijuí, before traveling to Colombia. On Thursday, the Tricolor will battle Deportes Tolima for first place in Group 3 of the Libertadores Cup. The teams are currently tied at 4 points apiece.

15 de Novembro (0)	Grêmio (2)
	Ramón (26') Diego Souza (29')
Émerson (24') Nem (78') Bebeto (92+')	William (12') Nunes (20') Schiavi (37')
Venue:  Sady Schmidt Stadium, Campo Bom (RS)
15 de Novembro: Márcio Angonese; Teco, Renato and Nem; Hugo (Everton Severo, 10'); Émerson, Bruno (Glauber, 77'), Alexandre and Leandro (Márcio, 70'); Bebeto and Kempes. Coach: Júlio Espinoza	Grêmio: Saja; Patrício, Schiavi, William and Lúcio; Nunes, Lucas, Diego Souza and Tcheco (Sandro Goiano, 87'); Ramón (Aloísio, 78') and Everton (Itaqui, 78'). Coach: Mano Menezes