Grêmio took significant steps toward clinching their eighth consecutive Campeonato Gaúcho title by defeating Juventude 2-1 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Arena do Grêmio. The match marked the first leg of the semifinal round, and the Tricolor is now positioned favorably heading to the decisive rematch.
The game featured impressive plays and sparked controversy, particularly surrounding officiated decisions by referee Jonathan Pinheiro. Fans voiced dissatisfaction with several moments, especially when Grêmio was denied what many considered a clear penalty after Abner fouled Juventude's Monsalve. Online reactions from supporters highlighted their outrage: "Pênalti escancarado no Monsalve! Esse lance não precisa de VAR," echoed across social media platforms.
Grêmio opened the scoring early, with star forward Martin Braithwaite netting the first goal just 13 minutes after kickoff, showcasing his talent once again. Following some dynamic build-up play initiated by João Pedro, who executed a skillful dribble, Braithwaite’s powerful finish solidified his leading status as the tournament’s top scorer alongside Emerson Galego of Ypiranga.
Juventude managed to equalize halfway through the first half when Emerson Batalla capitalized on a defensive lapse by Grêmio. After receiving a pass from Jean Carlos, Batalla’s shot took two deflections off defenders before sneaking past goalkeeper Tiago Volpi, which invigorated the visiting side.
Despite the setback, Grêmio battled back and regained control early in the second half. Coach Gustavo Quinteros made decisive changes, substituting Cristaldo for Belgian newcomer Amuzu at halftime. This substitution paid immediate dividends when Amuzu set up Cristian Oliveira to score, putting Grêmio back on top just six minutes after the restart.
With the new lead, Grêmio shifted strategies, aiming to maintain composure and defend their advantage as Juventude pressed for another equalizer. The physical and high-pressure nature of the match continued, with both teams exchanging aggressive plays, leading to multiple yellow cards for players on both sides.
Controversy lingered through the match, most glaringly when Grêmio appeared to have extended their lead to 3-1, only for the goal to be ruled out by the VAR after protracted deliberation over a foul committed earlier during the play. This continued to be a talking point for the players and fans alike.
Looking forward, the second leg of this semifinal showdown is set for March 1, at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. Grêmio can afford to advance simply by drawing the match, but Juventude must win by at least two goals to secure their place in the finals.
The backdrop for this highly anticipated rematch is intensified by Grêmio’s recent successes and their quest for yet another state championship. Quinteros has led the team to impressive results, showcasing their resilience and depth even amid strategic injuries to key players. The stakes are high, and anticipation is palpable as Grêmio fans look to support their team through another battle on the road to potential glory.
Every moment of the upcoming match will be looked at closely, as both teams gear up for another round of intense competition. For Juventude, the possibility of clinching victory on their home turf is not just about earning respect; it’s about reversing the narrative set by Grêmio's strong performance this past weekend. Will the underdogs rise to the occasion when everything is on the line?