Grêmio will face Pelotas this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time) at the Arena do Grêmio, located in Porto Alegre. This match is particularly significant as it marks the seventh round of the Campeonato Gaúcho, with both teams having much to prove on the field.
Currently sitting at the top of Group A, Grêmio has accumulated 11 points but is coming off two matches without a victory. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Internacional. Head coach Gustavo Quinteros is under pressure to secure all three points to solidify the team’s position for the semifinal round, and avoid facing Juventude, whom they lost to earlier this month. "Grêmio needs to win to maintain their position at the top of Group A," noted UOL.
On the other hand, Pelotas finds themselves struggling at the bottom of Group B with only 6 points to show for their efforts. The team, managed by Ariel Lanzini, is desperate for points to avoid the threat of relegation from the championship. The players face yet another do-or-die situation, as they need to win not only against Grêmio but also the next match against Juventude if they hope for even the remotest chance of progression. “Pelotas must secure points to steer clear of relegation risks,” highlights Gazeta Esportiva.
The expected formations have also raised eyebrows, as Quinteros has opted for multiple changes from the lineup seen during the Gre-Nal clash, indicating he might be resting key players for the high-stakes matches ahead. The projected starting eleven for Grêmio includes Gabriel Grando; João Pedro, Rodrigo Ely, Jemerson, and Viery; Villasanti, Dodi, Pavon, Cristaldo, and Aravena; and Braithwaite as the main forward.
Pelotas' projected lineup includes Jorge; Vidal, Massaia, Yuri Bigode, and Bryan; Robson, Mateus Silva, Venício, Cesinha, and Emerson; with Warlei leading as their striker. Both coaches understand the importance of this match, not just for points, but for the psychology of their squads moving forward.
The match will be aired live on Sportv and Premiere, allowing fans to witness the action as it progresses because the outcome could have lasting ramifications for both clubs.
Grêmio currently leads Group A but needs to shake off recent performance concerns and deliver on home soil, whilst Pelotas aims to fight and demonstrate their resilience to stay competitive within the league structure. With both teams at polar ends of the standings, the stakes couldn't be higher for this key encounter.