Grêmio’s hopes of making the next round of the Gaúchão grew on Wednesday evening as they got back to winning ways, following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Juventude, with a 5-0 victory over Santa Cruz.
Grêmio had to field a reserve side for the fixture as the first team will be required for Thursday’s Copa Libertadores clash with Chilean club Huachipato at the Arena, but they proved more than up to the task with goals coming from Willian José (2), Facundo Bertoglio (2) and Werley.
The victory moved Grêmio up to third position in the table, level on nine points with Cerâmica and Cruzeiro-RS. They will face Veranópolis on Sunday in the last round of the first phase.
Internacional secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at Caxias, with goals coming from Leandro Damião and Andres D’Alessandro.
The victory, played out in pouring rain, means that Dunga’s side are top of Group B on 14 points and are now qualified for the Taça Piratini, the first stage of the Gaúcho championship, with one game remaining.
Results:
Cerâmica 0-0 Canoas
Caxias 0-2 Internacional
Grêmio 5-0 Santa Cruz
Pelotas 0-1 São Luiz
Lajeadense 1-0 São José
Passo Fundo 2-0 Veranópolis
