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Grêmio stunned River Plate 1-0 at El Monumental in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Michel’s 62nd-minute header was the difference as the Brazilians’ defensive focus proved to be highly effective against River’s dangerous attack.
Walter Kannemann – one of the best centre-backs in South America – will miss the second leg through suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Marcelo Gallardo’s squad were at full-strength and came into Tuesday’s match with the intent to attack Grêmio through the middle.
Grêmio were playing shorthanded as Everton and Luan – their two best attacking options – both missed out due to injury.
Despite moving the ball well, controlling 68 per cent possession, and dominating play most of the night, River lacked a focal point in attack and were unable to penetrate Grêmio’s compact defence – led by Pedro Geromel and Kannemann.
Nacho Scocco wasn’t able to get the ball up top, even though Rafael Santos Borre worked tirelessly in his attempts to start any sort of attack.
Un caño de Santos Borré.#RiverGremio #River #VamosRiver #CopaLibertadores #Tekkers pic.twitter.com/EVcJR3tQWc
— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) October 24, 2018
River Plate came agonisingly close to scoring just after half-time. Direct from a corner, Jonatan Maidana sent his thunderous header just over the bar from close range.
Big chance for #River! Free header for Maidana off Quintero’s corner, but he put it over the bar. Really need to get that on target.#RiverGremio #VamosRiver #CopaLibertadores pic.twitter.com/Qy0c0Ut5KN
— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) October 24, 2018
Grêmio would eventually see their defensive efforts pay off just past the hour-mark, when Michel headed home a corner to give the Tricolor an important away goal.
River Plate 0-1 Gremio
Huge goal for Gremio as Michel glances an excellent corner in at the near post. pic.twitter.com/FpeoaK3LNK
— Simon Edwards (@SimonEdwardsSAF) October 24, 2018
Grêmio have been no stranger to set-piece goals recently.
9/16 – Nine of the last 16 goals scored by @gremio in the @Libertadores 2018 came from set pieces; #Michel´s goal is the fourth netted from a corner. Method. https://t.co/cvmZtSihNt
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) October 24, 2018
Boca Juniors and Palmeiras will face off in the other semi-final tomorrow at La Bombonera.
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