Grêmio and Atlético-MG play the first leg of their Copa do Brasil semifinal this Sunday, Sept. 1, at 18:30 Brasília time, at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre. Grêmio enters the match on a two-game winning streak in the Brasileirão under coach Renato Gaúcho, while the visitors arrive following three consecutive losses.
Grêmio Seeks Strength Despite Injuries
The coaching staff intends to field a full-strength lineup for the opening 90 minutes of the semifinal, though several players remain unavailable. Forward Pavon is recovering from a muscle injury and is only expected to return for the second leg against Galo. Meanwhile, right-back Diego Caito suffered a grade 2 muscle injury in his left thigh and faces a recovery timeline extending past the November FIFA date.
Midfielders Nardoni and Danilo Barbosa also remain sidelined. The Argentine midfielder Nardoni is in the final stages of recovering from a grade 1 muscle injury with a return expected in the coming days, while Barbosa sustained a grade 2 muscle injury with no defined timetable for his return to the pitch. Conversely, defender Kannemann and Jovane Cabral are available to the coaching staff, with only the Argentine center-back considered likely to start.
Atlético-MG Arrives Amidst Rough Patch
While Grêmio climbs out of the Brasileirão relegation zone, Atlético-MG enters the fixture enduring its worst sequence of the season. The visiting side recorded three consecutive losses, including a defeat on Thursday, Aug. 29, against rival Cruzeiro. Recent history between the two clubs in the tournament points to balance, with their last Copa do Brasil meeting occurring in the 2016 final won by the Gauchos.
Atlético-MG lists Vitão, Cuello, and Everson as doubts for the fixture. The probable lineup for the visitors features Gabriel Delfim; Alan Franco, Vitão (Vitor Hugo), Lyanco, and Renan Lodi; Castaño, Maycon, and Victor Hugo; Minda, Reinier, and Bernard.
Preparations and Tactical Adjustments at CT Presidente Luiz Carvalho
Grêmio conducted a training session Friday afternoon at the Presidente Luiz Carvalho Training Center. Players who logged heavy minutes in the victory over Athletico-PR completed regenerative work, while the rest of the squad ran passing drills in tight spaces and worked on acceleration combined with hurdle jumps under physical preparation coaches. Coach Renato Portaluppi subsequently led a tactical session focusing on positioning and rapid passing sequences to prepare for Sunday’s clash.
Portaluppi emphasized that the team must quickly shift focus from the league campaign to the knockout tournament. “We are going to face a semifinal, another opponent who is doing very well in the Brazilian Championship, growing with each match,” the coach stated. Portaluppi added that the club rejects any notion of sidelining the cup competition, promising maximum effort to reach the final.
Davi De Oliveira Lacerda Referees Sunday Match at Arena Do Grêmio
Sunday’s match kicks off at 18:30 Brasília time at the Arena do Grêmio. Live television coverage is available via Sportv and pay-per-view through Premiere, with streaming provided on Prime Video. The return leg takes place next weekend in Minas Gerais.
Davi de Oliveira Lacerda from Espírito Santo referees the match. He is assisted on the sidelines by Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa from Rio de Janeiro and Bruno Boschilia from Paraná, with Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro from Rio Grande do Norte operating the VAR.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Semifinal
When was the last time Grêmio and Atlético-MG met in the Copa do Brasil?
The two clubs last crossed paths in the tournament during the 2016 final, which Grêmio won after a victory at home in the first leg and a draw in Belo Horizonte.
Who will referee the opening leg at the Arena do Grêmio?
Davi de Oliveira Lacerda from Espírito Santo serves as the main referee, supported by assistant referees Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa and Bruno Boschilia.
Which broadcasting platforms are airing the match live?
Sportv covers the game on closed television, Premiere handles the pay-per-view broadcast, and Prime Video streams the encounter live.
What is the status of Grêmio forward Pavon for the semifinal?
Pavon is recovering from a muscle injury and will likely miss the first leg, with a targeted return for the second match against Galo.
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