4-29-07 - The Battle for Gaúcho Title Begins

The battle for the 2007 Gaúcho State title begins today in Caxias do Sul where Grêmio and Juventude will face off the the first leg of the finals. The game kicks off at 12 pm (PST) at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. The return leg is scheduled for next Sunday at Olímpico Stadium.

Grêmio, who coasted through the first stage and clinched the league's best overall record, got a scare from Caxias in the semifinals when they lost the first leg 3-0. The Tricolor rebounded with a 4-0 pounding in the return leg to secure a second straight finals appearance.

Juventude, the Group 1 winners, dispatched Veranópolis 3-2 on aggregate in the semifinals to clinch their first finals berth since 2001. They will be trying for their first title since their lone triumph in 1998.

Grêmio and Juventude have met in the finals twice before. Both times, the Tricolor came out on top. In 1996, Grêmio won 3-0 in Caxias and 4-0 in Porto Alegre. In 2001, it was another sweep: 3-2 in Caxias and 3-1 in Porto Alegre.

There has been speculation as to whether Mano Menezes should rest starters during today's game and save them for Wednesday's Libertadores Cup showdown with São Paulo. In my opinion, that would be a huge mistake. The Gaúcho Championship is Grêmio's best opportunity to lift a trophy this year. They've dominated the competition all season and are two games away from adding silverware to their display case. To lose now as a result of prioritizing the Libertadores Cup would be a travesty. Inter made that mistake last year when they lost to Grêmio. But unlike that Inter squad, this Grêmio team does not have what it takes to recover by winning the Libertadores Cup. If the Tricolor does not these finals seriously, it could mean a disappointing end to an otherwise successful semester.

Kickoff:  12 pm (PST)
Local:  Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, Caxias do Sul (RS)
Competition:  Gaúcho State Championship Finals - First Leg