Gremio and Corinthians have everything to play for in Wednesday night's Copa do Brasil round of 16 second-leg at Arena do Gremio.
The evenly-matched teams will fight for a spot in the quarter-finals after playing out a scoreless draw in last week's first leg in Sao Paulo.
Match preview
Gremio's goalless game with Corinthians last week was the only last-16 first-leg match that ended with neither side finding the net, but it could have gone differently for Renato Gaucho's men had Mathias Villasanti or Matias Arezo converted their clear-cut chances.
The upshot of failing to dispatch seemingly promising opportunities means Imortal Tricolor must notch success in front of their supporters to advance to the quarter-finals.
They have reason to be optimistic, having turned the tide with their ongoing five-match undefeated streak in all competitions (three wins) and three-match winning sequence in front of their fans.
Gremio have secured wins over Operario (3-1) in the cup, and two Brasileiro successes against Vitoria (2-0) and Vasco da Gama (1-0) without conceding should motivate the 2016 cup winners to make it four consecutive victories in Porto Alegre.
Gaucho was in situ when Imortal Tricolor last won the domestic cup, and the experienced manager hopes to bring the trophy back to Arena do Gremio.
That eventuality is still far from becoming a reality for the home side, who must overcome the threat of Corinthians to advance into the last eight.
The away side's form gives little reason to be confident, as they have gone four matches without success since claiming back-back league victories against Criciuma (2-1) and Bahia (1-0) in July.
While only one defeat has been suffered in that period — a 2-1 loss at Atletico Mineiro at the end of last month — playing out ties in league and cup against Gremio and Juventude point to a team currently without what it takes to play matches on its terms.
Ramon Diaz is looking for a much-improved performance from his side as Timao aim to snap their winless streak following a series of disappointing results.
It remains to be seen if Corinthians are successful on Wednesday, with the People's Team seeking to extend their 10-match unbeaten run against Gremio to 11.
- D
- W
- D
