Grêmio and Internacional played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday at Beira-Rio Stadium, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals. The Gaucho derby, marked by strong tension between players and constant complaints toward the refereeing, was offensively unproductive for both teams.
The first half was fragmented with few goal-scoring chances. The most controversial moment came when Grêmio striker Carlos Vinícius, already carrying a yellow card, struck Bruno Gomes with his arm and was not sent off. The situation sparked a near-fracas as the teams left for the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the main action came from the goalkeepers. Matheus Cunha made a great save on a shot from Croatian Krovinovic, while Weverton did his job when called upon, keeping clean sheets on both ends.
The deciding match for a spot in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals takes place next Thursday at 8 PM at Grêmio's Arena, where the second leg will be played.
