3-15-07 - Grêmio Looks to Break Jinx Against Tolima

When Grêmio takes on Deportes Tolima tonight at Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium, it will try to do what it has never done before: win a Libertadores Cup game in Colombia. Colombian teams have been a thorn in Grêmio’s side, responsible for eliminating the Tricolor on two occasions, including its last Libertadores Cup run in 2003. Grêmio’s record against Colombian teams is a meager 3-3-3, including 0-2-2 in its last four.

On the other hand, when the Tricolor did best a Colombian team, it went on to win the title. In 1983, Grêmio beat out América de Cali for a berth in the finals, and in 1995 the Tricolor held on for a 1-1 tie in Medellín to win the title over Atlético Nacional.

With history already against them, Grêmio also has to deal with the specter of injuries. Both Tuta and Douglas are out, leaving the Tricolor with unproven 19-year-old Éverton at center-forward. On paper, it would appear that Grêmio has no shot at winning. However, Mano Menezes has shown a knack for breaking jinxes. Under his command, the Tricolor broke a 10-year winless streak against Goiás, beat Palmeiras at Parque Antártica for the first time, and got its first ever win over São Caetano. Tonight, we’ll see if he can break yet another.

Grêmio v. Colombian Teams (Libertadores Cup)
Overall	3 wins, 3 ties, 3 losses
In Colombia	0 wins, 1 tie, 3 losses
Playoff series	1 win, 2 losses

 

Year	Result	Opponent	Stage
1983	L, 0-1	at América de Cali	Semifinal Stage
1983	W, 2-1	América de Cali	Semifinal Stage
1995	W, 3-1	Atlético Nacional	Finals
1995	T, 1-1	at Atlético Nacional	Finals
1996	W, 1-0	América de Cali	Semifinals
1996	L, 1-3	at América de Cali	Semifinals
2003	T, 2-2	Independiente	Quarterfinals
2003	L, 1-2	at Independiente	Quarterfinals
2007	T, 0-0	Cúcuta Deportivo	Group Stage