Fresh legs and different approaches unlocked what a struggling first half had concealed
No coração do domingo gaúcho, o Grêmio reencontrou algo que times em crise frequentemente perdem: a capacidade de se reinventar dentro de uma mesma partida. Diante do Vitória, na Arena, a equipe de Mano Menezes saiu de um empate desconfortável no segundo tempo para uma vitória por 3 a 1, subindo à oitava colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro. O resultado, mais do que os três pontos, revelou que a flexibilidade tática pode ser, em momentos de dificuldade, a forma mais honesta de um time mostrar seu caráter.
- O Vitória empatou no início do segundo tempo e transformou o que parecia uma tarde tranquila em uma crise real de confiança para o Grêmio diante de sua própria torcida.
- Mano Menezes respondeu com urgência, retirando Pavón e Edenilson e lançando Cristaldo e Amuzu — uma aposta que precisava funcionar imediatamente.
- Amuzu correspondeu na primeira jogada após entrar: recebeu de Cristaldo e finalizou com precisão, devolvendo a vantagem e mudando completamente o ritmo da partida.
- Aravena fechou o placar em 3 a 1, mas as fragilidades defensivas do primeiro tempo — especialmente contra bolas longas — seguem como uma ferida aberta que o calendário não vai deixar ignorar.
No domingo pela manhã, a Arena recebeu um Grêmio que precisava de uma resposta. O adversário era o Vitória, e o placar final de 3 a 1 colocou o time gaúcho na oitava posição do Campeonato Brasileiro — um alívio modesto, mas real, diante de um período de instabilidade.
O primeiro tempo foi cauteloso, sem que nenhuma equipe dominasse com clareza. André Henrique abriu o placar para o Grêmio, mas a vantagem durou pouco: o Vitória empatou logo no início da segunda etapa, tornando a partida imprevisível e colocando pressão sobre o time da casa.
Foi nesse momento que Mano Menezes interveio de forma decisiva. As saídas de Pavón e Edenilson e as entradas de Cristaldo e Amuzu mudaram o jogo quase que instantaneamente. Na primeira jogada após a substituição, Cristaldo acionou Amuzu, que finalizou com segurança. A velocidade e a presença do atacante injetaram uma energia que o Grêmio não havia demonstrado antes. Aravena completou a virada com o terceiro gol, encerrando qualquer dúvida sobre o resultado.
Nas avaliações individuais, Amuzu foi o destaque absoluto, com nota 8. Cristaldo, André Henrique, Marcos Rocha e Gabriel Grando também se saíram bem, com notas 7. Já a linha defensiva mostrou inconsistências, especialmente no primeiro tempo, com Gustavo Martins e Marlon recebendo notas 5. Pavón foi o pior avaliado, com 4, após uma atuação apagada que gerou vaias da torcida.
A vitória importou além dos três pontos. Ela demonstrou que o Grêmio tem capacidade de ajuste tático e que mudanças no banco podem desbloquear o que um primeiro tempo travado havia escondido. Ainda assim, as vulnerabilidades defensivas expostas contra o Vitória seguem como um alerta que o restante da temporada não permitirá ignorar.
Sunday morning at the Arena, Grêmio found its way back to winning form. The home side dispatched Vitória 3-1, a result that lifted them to eighth place in the Brazilian Championship standings and offered a small measure of relief after recent struggles.
The first half unfolded as a careful affair, neither team seizing control decisively. André Henrique broke the stalemate for Grêmio, slotting home what looked like it might be enough. But Vitória's players had other ideas. Early in the second half, the visitors equalized, suddenly making the match competitive again and forcing Grêmio to reckon with the possibility of dropping points at home.
That's when coach Mano Menezes made his move. He withdrew Pavón and Edenilson from the field, introducing Cristaldo and Amuzu in their place. The substitution proved instantly consequential. On the very next sequence of play, Cristaldo found Amuzu with a pass, and the attacker finished cleanly. The goal didn't just restore Grêmio's lead—it shifted the entire tenor of the match. Amuzu's presence seemed to inject velocity into the team's movements, something the first half had lacked. Aravena added a third goal later, sealing the victory and allowing Grêmio to breathe easier.
The performance ratings told the story of a team that had to find its rhythm. Gabriel Grando made important saves when called upon, earning a 7. Marcos Rocha transformed his flank into an attacking weapon, also a 7. The defensive line struggled more unevenly. Gustavo Martins and Marlon both battled difficulties, particularly early on, receiving 5s. Kanneman delivered his usual steadiness with a 6, while Noriega disappointed in his marking assignments, also a 5.
In midfield, Arthur improved as the match wore on, starting shakily but finishing with a 6. Edenilson contributed meaningfully to the opening goal but couldn't sustain that level, earning a 5. Willian moved well but departed injured early, a 5. Pavón, by contrast, created little and drew whistles from the crowd—a 4.
Up front, André Henrique didn't see many chances but converted when it mattered, a 7. Alysson was quieter than in recent outings, a 6. Cristaldo's immediate impact—that assist on Amuzu's goal—warranted a 7. Amuzu himself stood out most, not merely adding speed but finding the net decisively, earning an 8. Aravena came on late and made his presence felt with a goal, a 7. Dodi appeared in the final moments without enough time to be rated.
The victory mattered beyond the three points. It showed that Grêmio could adjust tactically, that fresh legs and different approaches could unlock what a struggling first half had concealed. Yet the defensive vulnerabilities exposed early—the difficulty against Vitória's long balls, the occasional lapses in positioning—remain concerns that will need addressing as the season deepens.
Notable Quotes
Amuzu not only gave the team more speed but scored the decisive goal— Match analysis
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
What made Mano Menezes' substitutions so decisive here?
He didn't just swap bodies. Pavón had been ineffective, and Edenilson was tiring. Bringing in Cristaldo and Amuzu changed the shape of the team—more direct, more aggressive. Amuzu especially brought a different kind of threat, something Vitória's defense couldn't immediately adjust to.
Was the first half really that flat, or did Vitória just defend well?
Both, probably. Grêmio had the lead, so there was less urgency. But they also weren't creating much. When Vitória equalized, it forced the issue. That's when you saw what the team was actually capable of.
The defensive line looked shaky. Is that a pattern?
The first half especially. Gustavo Martins and Marlon both struggled with Vitória's long balls. It's not a complete collapse, but it's a weakness. Against better teams, that becomes dangerous.
How much of this win was about Amuzu specifically?
He was the catalyst, but Cristaldo's assist was crucial too. Amuzu gave the team speed and directness, but he needed that service. It was a combination that worked.
Does this result suggest Grêmio is turning a corner?
It suggests they can adjust and find solutions. But one win at home, even a convincing one, doesn't erase the bigger picture. They're eighth now, which is respectable, but the defensive issues need fixing.