🎥 Grêmio take healthy lead in bid for Copa do Brasil final

Playing in front of 50,928 fans at a rocking Arena, Grêmio took a strong step toward reaching their tenth Copa do Brasil final.

Thanks to goals from Carlos Vinícius and Noriega (and a superb performance from Weverton), the Tricolor beat Atlético Mineiro 2–0 on Sunday (1).

It was the first leg of the competition's semi-final.

Weverton steals the show in the first half

Cuello had a great chance to put Atlético ahead.

But he could not beat the Grêmio goalkeeper.

Weverton would make another decisive contribution moments later.

His goal kick turned into an assist for Carlos Vinícius, who capitalised on a mistake by Lyanco to score (11').

The man behind the assist got plenty of love in the celebrations.

Atlético went into the break having dominated possession (over 70%).

Grêmio extend their lead as Galo push forward

It was a dream start to the second half for the Tricolor.

Just two minutes in, a fine move down the right ended with Noriega scoring.

With no other option, Barba Domínguez made Galo increasingly attack-minded.

Even youngster Cauã Soares, an out-and-out centre-forward, was brought on.

And their big chance came in the 94th minute, when Vitor Hugo rattled the crossbar.

Gustavo Martins left the Tricolor down to ten men shortly afterwards.

But Galo had no time to make the most of their numerical advantage.

The return leg takes place next Saturday (7) at Arena MRV.

Grêmio can afford to lose by one goal and still reach the final.

Galo, meanwhile, will need to win by three goals in front of their home fans to go through in normal time.

A two-goal win would send the tie to penalties.

Both teams now turn their attention back to the Brasileirão. And both head to Rio de Janeiro.

Sitting 15th after two straight wins, Grêmio face leaders Flamengo at the Maracanã.

Galo, who have lost their last two league matches, are seventh and will face Botafogo (12th) at the Nilton Santos.

Both matches take place next Wednesday (4).