In a highly anticipated clash, Grêmio faced off against their fierce rivals Internacional on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in the fifth round of the Brasileirão Betano 2025. The match, held at the Arena in Porto Alegre, ended in a 1-1 draw, but not without controversy that left the home team fuming over the officiating.
The game saw Grêmio take an early lead with a bizarre own goal by Internacional's goalkeeper Anthoni, who inadvertently deflected a shot into his own net. However, the lead was short-lived as Internacional equalized in the second half through a penalty converted by Alan Patrick, awarded after a handball by Grêmio's João Pedro.
The match was marred by a significant incident late in the game that has become the focal point of post-match discussions. At 39 minutes into the second half, Grêmio's Aravena went down in the box after a challenge from Internacional's defender Braian Aguirre. The referee, Bráulio da Silva Machado, initially did not award a penalty. After consulting VAR, he upheld his decision, a choice that sparked outrage among Grêmio players and fans alike.
Walter Kannemann, the captain of Grêmio, expressed his frustration in a post-match interview. "We fight, we run, and we deserve to be treated fairly, but the referee never gives us anything. It’s embarrassing. In the previous game against Flamengo, we had a clear penalty, and here, when it’s against us, it’s always a penalty. The referee arrives late, from behind... it’s very difficult, but we will keep fighting," he stated, highlighting the ongoing frustrations with officiating that the team has faced this season.
This was not the first time Grêmio had grievances with the refereeing. Just a week prior, in another crucial match against Flamengo, they also felt hard done by a missed penalty call. Grêmio's fans and players have been vocal about what they perceive as a pattern of unfavorable decisions against their team.
As the players left the pitch, a group of Grêmio supporters confronted the referee, leading to a heavy police presence to maintain order. The atmosphere was charged, with boos directed at the officiating crew as they exited the field.
With this draw, Grêmio finds itself in a precarious position, now sitting in 16th place with just four points from five matches, teetering near the relegation zone. The team is under pressure to turn their fortunes around quickly, especially with their next match approaching.
Looking ahead, Grêmio's focus shifts to the Copa Sul-Americana, where they will face Godoy Cruz on Thursday, April 24, 2025. This match is crucial, not only for their standings in the tournament but also to boost team morale after a string of disappointing results in the league.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on Grêmio's ability to navigate through challenges both on the pitch and in terms of officiating. The upcoming matches will be vital for the team to regain their confidence and secure their place in the league.
