Diego Souza and Jean Pyerre scored the goals for the gauchos while Willians scored the goal for Cuiabá. All three goals were scored in the first half. In the final stage, the hosts had pressure on Grêmio and Vanderlei was busy to a great deal but they were able to hold on their lead till the end of the game.
There were two goals and a good technical performance from Grêmio during the first half although Cuiabá also had opportunities.
After a fairly fast start to the game, it would be tricolor that went on to break the deadlock. Diego Souza opened the scoring in the 7th minute after good appearances by Pepê and Victor Ferraz. Willians went higher than Geromel and drew level for Cuiabá in the 18th minute. Jean Pyerre, from a penalty, put Grêmio back in the lead in the 42nd minute. The penalty had to be reviewed by VAR as the call seemed to be unclear at first sight.
In the second half, Cuiabá were the better side. They had 11 submissions against just two from Grêmio and forced Vanderlei to make a great save and hit the goalkeeper’s post in the same move. Grêmio only really came into the game in the latter stages of the game, put in some counterattacks and held on to their lead.
The return game between the teams takes place next Wednesday at the Arena. In the Brasileirão, Grêmio plays against Ceará on Saturday also in the Arena. Cuiabá hosts América-MG at Arena Pantanal on the same day for Serie B.
