2-27-07 - Grêmio Hosts Cúcuta Deportivo

Grêmio will host its first Libertadores Cup match since 2003 when it receives Colombian champions Cúcuta Deportivo tonight in a Group 3 clash. Grêmio (3 pts) will look to its homefield advantage to carry it to victory over a team making its international debut. The Tricolor won its Libertadores Cup opener 1-0 over Cerro Porteño, in Asunción, while Cúcuta (1 pt) played to a scoreless tie with fellow Colombians Deportes Tolima.

Despite being favored in today’s game, Grêmio knows all too well the dangers of playing a Colombian team. In two of its last five Libertadores Cup appearances, its season came to an end at the feet of Colombian squads. In 1996, América de Cali ended Grêmio’s bid for a second straight title with a 3-1 win in Cali in the semifinals. In 2003, Independiente who shocked the Tricolor with a last-minute goal in Medellín when the quarterfinal tie appeared headed to penalty kicks. Incidentally, the first leg – a 2-2 draw – was the last time Olímpico hosted a Libertadores Cup match.