Grêmio Routed by Cúcuta, 3-1, in Colombia

Looks like a week to prepare still wasn’t long enough.

With a chance to clinch a berth in the Libertadores Cup playoffs, Grêmio played its worst game of the season, losing 3-1 to Cúcuta to remain winless all-time in Colombia. It was the first win of the competition for Cúcuta (6 pts) who remained alive in the chase for a playoff berth. The result dropped Grêmio (7 pts) from first into third place and out of the qualifying zone. Cerro Poteño (7 pts) beat Deportes Tolima (7 pts) 1-0 and leads the group on number of goals scored since both have a goal differential of 0. Grêmio, with a goal differential of -1, needs to beat Cerro Porteño at home on April 24th in order to advance.

Coming off a 4-1 win over São José-CS a week ago, Tricolor hopes were high to finally end their Colombian jinx. At first Grêmio managed to control Cúcuta, preventing its adversary from attempting any shots on goal. Grêmio, for its part, created an opportunity in the 4th minute when Tuta’s weak shot was easily defended by Zapata. But everything changed in the 28th when Martínez forced Saja into a difficult save of Cúcuta’s first attempt at goal. From that point on, the Tricolor defense appeared in a state of panic and gave the Colombians space to attack. In the 40th, Blas Pérez juked Schiavi out of his socks and left Saja sprawled on the ground. Somehow, William got to the ball before it crossed the goalline to save the Tricolor. But three minutes later he erased his good deed by committing a penalty that was easily converted by Bustos: Cúcuta, 1-0.

Grêmio struck back early in the second half. In the 6th, Lúcio sent a free kick into the area where it was redirected by Diego Souza. The ball hit Moreno on the chest and landed into the back of the net: 1-1. But having achieved the tie, Grêmio pulled back on defense and allowed Cúcuta to take control of the tempo. Jorge Bernal switched to a 4-3-3 as Cúcuta trapped the Tricolor on its own side of the field. In the 29th, Blas Pérez received a cross inside the area and put the Colombians in front for good: Cúcuta, 2-1. Mano Menezes tried to adjust his lineup, pulling Diego Souza and later Tcheco in favor of Carlos Eduardo and Éverton. But with a totally disorganized midfield, Grêmio was unable to mount any sort of offense. Just when it seemed like the score would remain unaltered, Cúcuta added another in the 43rd after Castillo received a cross inside the area and cemented Grêmio’s worst loss of the season: Cúcuta, 3-1.

Grêmio picked a bad time to lose its focus. The poor showing against Cúcuta not only cost the Tricolor first place in Group 3 but also dropped them out of the playoff zone. For some reason, Grêmio just can’t seem to play well against decent teams. Like rivals Inter, they now face a must-win situation if they hope to advance. A simple victory at home against Cerro Porteño will be enough to see the Tricolor through to the next round. Any other result will prematurely end Grêmio’s participation in the Libertadores Cup which, if they can’t beat Cerro at home, would be justice done. But first, Grêmio must play Caxias in a best-of-two series for a spot in the Gaúcho State Championship. With Inter knocked out of the competition, it is Grêmio’s title to lose.

Cúcuta (3)	Grêmio (1)
Bustos (44' PK) Blas Pérez (74') Del Castillo (88')	Moreno (51' OG)
Ragua (16') Bustos (43') Moreno (46') Rueda (75') Torres (79')	William (42') Tuta (76') Tcheco (80')
Venue:  General Santander Stadium, Cúcuta (COL)
Cúcuta: Zapata; Bustos, Portocarrero, Moreno and Ragua; Castro (Del Castillo, 59'), Flores (Cortez, 59'), Rueda and Torres; Martínez (García, 78') and Blas Pérez. Coach: Jorge Luis Bernal	Grêmio: Saja; Patrício, Schiavi, William and Lúcio; William Magrão, Lucas, Diego Souza (Carlos Eduardo, 76'), Tcheco (Éverton, 83') and Ramón; Tuta. Coach: Mano Menezes