In what was one-sided first half, Gremio could have scored five with Bahia struggling to deal with the threat from Julius Caesar and Brandao.
First chance came ten minutes in when Douglas was slotted clean through on goal by Escudero, only for Bahia keeper Thiago to save the low shot.
However, the chances didn’t stop coming when soon after it was Douglas this time putting Brandao clear, but once again, the keeper Thiago kept Bahia in the game with a great save at his near post.
From the resulting corner, Douglas was found at the back post and his curling shot was destined for the far corner of the net until Bahia defender Jancarlos blocked it.
At this point, Gremio might have thought it wasn’t going to be their day but backed by large travelling support, Gremio eventually found the break through.
On the 29th minute, Lucio skipped past a defender on the left side on the area, and his cross to the far post was met by Brandao, who headed home to finally give Gremio the lead.
Brandao should have added his second two minutes after Escudero’s shot was saved by keeper Thiago but the defence failed to clear and Brandao’s eventual effort was blocked in a goal-mouth scramble.
The second was added not shortly after when Brandao’s back post header hit against the bar but it came straight to Escudero, who lashed the ball home from 16 yards to double the lead, and seal all three points.
Gremio were awarded a penalty near the half-time break, but Douglas’ effort went well over the bar as Gremio would fail to add to their lead in the game.
Bahia did get a conselation on the 59th minute through a Souza penalty, but in truth, Bahia rarely looked like clinching an equaliser, despite some late pressure.
This was Gremio’s fourth win since manager Celso Roth has arrived at the Olympico with them now up to 13th in the table. Bahia stay 16th with 23 points after this disappointing display.
