Grêmio Stumble in Copa Sudamericana Opener Amid Four-Match Winless Run
Grêmio’s rough patch continues after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Montevideo City Torque in their Copa Sudamericana group stage opener. The defeat marks their fourth straight game without a win across all competitions, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group F with zero points.
A Night of VAR Drama and Missed Chances
The match, played at Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega in Cusco, Peru, was defined by pivotal decisions from the video assistant referee. Early in the first half, Grêmio thought they’d earned a penalty when Gonzalo Montes appeared to foul Martin Braithwaite—but VAR overruled the on-field call, denying them a golden opportunity.
Minutes later, Torque’s Erick Noriega dodged a red card after another VAR review overturned what initially looked like a dangerous studs-up tackle on Salomón Rodríguez. Those two interventions shifted momentum, and just three minutes into the second half, Eduardo Aguero capitalized—finishing cleanly from the edge of the box after a sharp pass from Esteban Obregón.
Grêmio pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t break through Torque’s compact defense, despite controlling possession for large stretches. Their attacking rhythm remains off, and finishing has been a recurring issue during this winless streak.
What This Means for Grêmio’s Season
This loss isn’t just about one match—it’s part of a worrying trend. Grêmio haven’t won since late March, with draws and defeats piling up in both domestic and continental play. Now sitting last in their Sudamericana group, they face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
Their next challenge comes quickly: the highly anticipated Gre-Nal derby against rivals Internacional in Brasileirão Série A on April 11. That clash at Beira-Rio could define their April—and possibly their entire campaign. A loss there would deepen the crisis; a win might finally spark a turnaround.
Meanwhile, Montevideo City Torque sit top of Group F after also benefiting from Deportivo Riestra and Palestino’s goalless draw. They’ll shift focus back to Uruguay’s domestic league with a match against Albion on the same day as Grêmio’s derby.
Key Factors Behind Grêmio’s Struggles
Several issues have compounded Grêmio’s recent woes:
- Lack of clinical finishing: Despite creating chances, they’ve failed to convert consistently.
- Defensive lapses in transition: Aguero’s goal came from a quick counter that exposed gaps in midfield coverage.
- VAR misfortunes: Two major calls went against them in critical moments.
- Mental fatigue: The squad looks low on confidence, especially in high-pressure situations.
Key Takeaways
- Grêmio lost 1-0 to Montevideo City Torque in their Copa Sudamericana group opener.
- They are now winless in four consecutive matches across all competitions.
- VAR played a decisive role, overturning both a Grêmio penalty and a Torque red card.
- Grêmio sit bottom of Group F with zero points; Torque lead with three.
- The team faces a crucial Brasileirão derby against Internacional on April 11.
Looking Ahead
Grêmio’s immediate focus must shift to the Gre-Nal. Derby matches often reset narratives—winning could restore belief and disrupt their negative cycle. But if they carry the same hesitancy into Beira-Rio, the pressure on manager Renato Portaluppi will intensify.
In the Sudamericana, they still have five group games left. Recovery is possible, but it demands sharper execution and better luck with officiating. For now, fans are left wondering whether this is a temporary dip or a deeper structural problem.
— Editorial Team
