On February 11, 2025, Grêmio showcased their dominance by defeating Pelotas 5-0 at the Arena do Grêmio, effectively securing their spot in the semifinals of the Gauchão. The win not only solidified their lead at the top of Group A with 14 points but also left Pelotas struggling at the bottom of Group B with only six points from seven matches.
Despite starting the match slowly, Grêmio quickly found their rhythm. The first half saw them draw the first blood at the 38th minute with Gustavo Martins scoring via a stunning backheel after a well-worked corner routine. This opener catalyzed the team, and just four minutes later, Braithwaite doubled the lead with a powerful header from Edenilson’s assist. Before the half-time whistle, Braithwaite added another goal from yet another set-piece, showcasing Grêmio's effective use of corners and free-kicks.
The home team’s performance was characterized by high pressure and ball possession, with the players demonstrating great coordination. Grêmio’s defense, led by Tiago Volpi, managed to thwart Pelotas' rare attempts to score, allowing their attackers the freedom to create scoring opportunities.
Returning from the break, Pavon wasted no time making his mark. Just 16 minutes in, he scored the fourth goal of the match with a well-placed shot after receiving the ball on the left wing. Continuing their relentless pursuit of goals, Pavon struck again at the 38th minute of the second half, sealing the 5-0 scoreline. His two goals highlighted his pace and precision, which have become pivotal to Grêmio’s attacking strategy.
Throughout the match, Grêmio controlled 64% of the possession, translating this dominance to 14 shots on goal compared to just five from Pelotas. The team's depth became apparent with the substitutions made, as players like Cristaldo, Arezo, and João Pedro came off the bench to maintain the team's intensity.
This emphatic victory leaves Grêmio poised to continue their impressive form, with their next game scheduled against Ypiranga on February 15, 2025. They look forward to extending their lead and reinforcing their formidable status within the tournament.
For Pelotas, the defeat marked another setback, as they have found themselves without a win for four matches now. With the upcoming encounter against Juventude, they must regroup quickly to avoid slipping even lower on the leaderboard.
Grêmio’s manager, Gustavo Quinteros, praised his team’s performance, citing their efficiency and strong mentality as key factors in the victory. He also highlighted the contributions of Edenilson, who not only assisted multiple goals but played integrally as the creative spine of the team.
With each passing game, Grêmio appears more solid – showcasing both offensive flair and defensive resilience. Their remarkable goal difference of +11 speaks volumes about their attacking prowess, as they have scored 15 goals and conceded just four throughout the Gauchão campaign.
The team is set to enter future challenges with the confidence gained from consistent performances, and fans are hopeful of lifting the trophy at the end of this season.