Match winner goes to group A, even from Palmeiras
In a little while, at 7:15 pm, Brasília time, Grêmio and Independiente de Valle-EQU, decide who will qualify for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. In the first leg, the tricolor was defeated by 2 to 1, and now, in the Arena, try to reverse the score. Because of the away goal, Grêmio can advance if they win by 1 to 0. If they win by two goals difference, by any score, they also qualify. The only result that takes the decision to penalties is Grêmio’s victory by 2 to 1. Any other scoreboard gives the place to the Ecuadorian team.
The classified will enter the complicated Group A, which already has Palmeiras, defending champion, Defensa y Justicia, from Argentina, defending champion of the Copa Sudamericana, and Universitario, defending peruvian champion.
Goalkeeper Paulo Victor, right-back Vanderson and Victor Ferraz and coach Renato Gaúcho remain in isolation after testing positive for covid-19. Defender Emanuel was also not listed. On the other hand, Grêmio will count on the return of five players. Defenders Paulo Miranda, recovered from covid, and Kannemann, in addition to midfielders Maicon, Jean Pyerre and Pepê, all recovered from injuries. The team will be led once again by technical assistant Alexandre Mendes.
Without absences, Independiente de Valle goes with maximum strength for the duel. Vice-champion of the continental tournament in 2016, the team led by the Portuguese Renato Paiva seeks to repeat the best campaign ever made.
By Gustavo Castilho
