The highly anticipated Gre-Nal 444 is set to take place on Saturday, February 8, at 21:00 BRT at the Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre, featuring two of Brazil's most storied football clubs: Grêmio and Internacional. This fierce rivalry continues to fuel excitement not just among fans, but within the broader football community as the two teams clash for supremacy in the Campeonato Gaúcho.
Grêmio enters this match determined to bounce back after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Juventude during their last outing. Despite this setback, they currently hold the top position in Group A of the Campeonato Gaúcho with 10 points accrued from five games—three wins, one draw, and one loss. A victory against their arch-rivals would not only boost their morale but also bring them closer to securing a spot in the semifinals.
On the other side, Internacional arrives with the momentum of being unbeaten this season. They lead Group B with 13 points, having won four matches and drawn once so far. Their latest victory, a convincing 3-0 against Brasil de Pelotas, adds fuel to their confidence heading to this historic matchup. A win could potentially assure them of advancement to the next round, especially if Caxias fails to win against São Luiz.
This Gre-Nal holds additional significance as it marks the return of the fixture to the Arena do Grêmio after two years, the last being on May 21, 2023, when Grêmio triumphed 3-1. Internally, they aim to shift their fortunes, as the last time the red-and-white side claimed victory at this venue was on March 23, 2022, with a narrow 1-0 win.
Fans can catch the action live through various broadcasters. The game will be available on Premiere—a pay-per-view service known for showcasing key fixtures within Brazilian football. RBS TV will also provide coverage, particularly bringing this significant match to viewers within Rio Grande do Sul.
With the rivalry's intensity heightened, both teams are expected to come out with their strongest line-ups. Grêmio's coach, Gustavo Quinteros, is likely to field his best players after resting them during their last game. The probable lineup includes goalkeeper Gabriel Grando; defenders João Pedro, Rodrigo Ely, Jemerson, and Viery; midfielders Dodi, Villasanti, Pavon, and Cristaldo; and forwards Braithwaite and Aravena.
Internacional, under coach Roger Machado, may feature goalkeeper Anthoni; defenders Braian Aguirre, Rogel, Vitão, and Pablo; midfielders Fernando and Thiago Maia; and forwards Wanderson, Alan Patrick, and Wesley, alongside striker Rafael Borré, who holds the responsibility of leading their attack.
This clash is not just another game on the calendar for these squads; it is steeped in history, rivalry, and the quest for glory. Gre-Nal embodies the spirit of Brazilian football, and as the players prepare to step onto the pitch, fans are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling chapter of this storied duel. With bragging rights, league standings, and pride on the line, both teams will leave it all on the field.
Beyond the pitches, the statistics also add layers to this storied rivalry. Historically, the teams have faced each other 443 times across various competitions, with Internacional holding the edge with 164 wins to Grêmio's 141, along with 138 draws. While Internacional boasts 45 state championships, Grêmio closely follows with 43 titles, showcasing the rich heritage each club carries.
With everything at stake, fans are left eager for the outcome of this match, ready to witness yet another electrifying encounter between Grêmio and Internacional. Whether you're at the stadium, watching from home, or following online, Gre-Nal 444 is set to deliver excitement and passion unlike any other.