As the Copa Sul-Americana heats up, Grêmio is set to face Atlético Grau on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time) in a crucial match at the Estádio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima, Peru. This encounter marks the fourth round of the group stage, with both teams having contrasting fortunes in the tournament thus far.
Grêmio, currently in second place in Group D, is eager to secure a victory to keep pace with the group leaders, Godoy Cruz. The Tricolor has amassed 7 points from their previous matches, including two wins and a draw, and they are determined to maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition. In their last outing, they managed to edge past Santos with a narrow 1-0 victory, a result that ended a frustrating six-match winless run across all competitions.
On the other hand, Atlético Grau finds itself in a dire situation, sitting at the bottom of the group standings with just one point from three games. The Peruvian side has not tasted victory in their last eight matches, a streak that includes five draws and three losses. Their last match ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Sport Huancayo, further complicating their chances of advancing in the tournament.
For Grêmio, the match represents more than just three points; it is an opportunity to solidify their confidence under the guidance of coach Mano Menezes. The team has made several changes to their lineup following the victory over Santos, with five alterations expected. Notably, Arezo will replace Braithwaite in attack, while Alysson steps in for Cristian Olivera. Other new faces in the starting eleven include Lucas Esteves, Luan Cândido, and Camilo.
The probable lineup for Grêmio includes: Tiago Volpi; Igor Serrote, Jemerson, Wagner Leonardo, and Lucas Esteves; Camilo, Cuéllar, Cristaldo; Luan Cândido, Alysson, and Arezo. The bench will feature options like Gabriel Grando, Thiago Beltrame, João Lucas, Kannemann, Viery, Ronald, Zortéa, Nathan, Monsalve, Cristian Olivera, Jardiel, and André Henrique.
In contrast, Atlético Grau will look to their home advantage to turn their fortunes around. The team, coached by Ángel Comizzo, is expected to field a lineup that includes: Patricio Álvarez; Jeremy Rostaing, Rodrigo Tapia, Daniel Franco, Elsar Rodas; José Bolívar, Diego Soto, Rafael Guarderas, Fabic Rojas; Juan Garro, and Neri Bandiera. The team is hoping to capitalize on the support of their fans to secure their first victory in the tournament.
Historically, the two teams have met only once before, during the first round of this tournament, where Grêmio triumphed with a convincing 2-0 win at home. Goals from Arezo and Cristian Olivera sealed the victory for the Brazilian side, and they will be looking to replicate that performance in Lima.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes. Grêmio needs a win to keep their hopes of direct qualification for the knockout stages alive, while Atlético Grau is desperate to avoid elimination from the tournament. With only one point to their name, the Peruvian side must secure a win to remain in contention.
The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+, providing fans with an opportunity to follow the action as it unfolds. For those unable to watch, CNN Esportes will offer real-time updates throughout the match.
As the teams prepare to clash, the excitement is palpable. Will Grêmio continue their pursuit of glory in the Copa Sul-Americana, or can Atlético Grau pull off a surprise and reignite their campaign? One thing is for sure: this match promises to be a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications for both teams.
In terms of statistics, Atlético Grau's winless streak is a major concern, and they will need to find a way to break that trend if they hope to challenge Grêmio effectively. On the other hand, Grêmio's recent form suggests they are on the upswing, and the presence of experienced players like Cristaldo and Arezo could make all the difference in a tightly contested match.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying match. With Grêmio looking to solidify their place in the competition and Atlético Grau fighting for survival, the stage is set for a captivating clash in Lima.
