Grêmio pulled off a huge shock in the second round of group games in this year’s Copa Libertadores by beating Brazilian champions Fluminense 3-0 in Rio de Janeiro.
The Porto Alegre club lost their opening game at home last week to Huachipato but were by far the better team in the Enghenão and their deserved victory came thanks to Hérnan Barcos, André Santos and Eduardo Vargas.
Grêmio coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo had set his team up to frustrate Fluminense, with Souza and Fernando shielding the back four, and looked to counter using the pace of Vargas.
The first half was quite even with neither side creating too many clear chances. Grêmio took the lead on 32 minutes when Barcos met Elano’s corner at the near post to head home with Fluminense keeper Diego Cavalieri nowhere to be seen.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Fluminense trying to play into Fred through Wellington Nem and Rafael Sobis but Grêmio’s central defenders Cris and Werley were excellent in handling the former Lyon striker.
The second goal came after 55 minutes when André Santos launched a counter attack after intercepting the ball in his own half and, after Barcos had his shot saved, the Arsenal loanee was on hand to tap the ball in.
Grêmio could easily of added more to the tally given the woeful defending from the homeside but settled for just one more when Barcos put Vargas through with 20 minutes left to fire home from the right hand side of the area.
Fluminense (4-3-3): Diego Cavalieri; Bruno Vieira, Anderson, Leandro Euzébio, Carlinhos; Edinho, Jean, Wagner; Rafael Sobis, Wellington Nem, Fred (c)
Grêmio (4-2-2-2): Dida; Pará, Cris, Werley, André Santos; Souza, Fernando; Elano, Zé Roberto; Hérnan Barcos, Eduardo Vargas
