🎥 Ex-player curse hits as Grêmio crash out, Brazil's run continues

Grêmio has EXTENDED the sequence of Brazilian football's fall in the South American Cup playoffs.

After the defeat in Lima (2x0), the Tricolor hosted Alianza Lima this Wednesday (23), in front of 46,237 attendees at the Arena under Grêmio's management.

They were winning and fighting till the end. But they saw Hernán Barcos draw 1 x 1 with a cruel "Law of the Ex" in the final minute.

Bahia and Vasco had already been eliminated on Tuesday (22). Only Atlético-MG remains, who will take the field this Thursday (24) against Bucaramanga with an advantage.

Fluminense was the only one that directly qualified for the round of 16. 

Unsuccessful Attempts

The more offensive lineup indicated a team that would seek to attack from the start.

That's what Grêmio did from the initial whistle.

But Mano's men went to the break with only one shot on Vizcarra's goal.

The Tricolor lacked inspiration.

Alianza also didn't pose a real threat.

Renewed hope, but...

Grêmio started to suffer less in the final stage.

And managed to be lethal at ten, when Gustavo Martins became decisive again. 

Volpi worked well minutes later.

The Tricolor pressure intensified.

André Henrique had a shot on the post.

And Vizcarra frustrating Braithwaite.

Grêmio fought hard.

But they didn't even seek penalties and won, because Alianza was lethal in its only good play in the final stage.

And drew with Barcos, 41 years old, who defended the club between 2013 and 2015.

📅 What now?

Alianza Lima with Barcos, Guerrero and Trauco will face Universidad de Quito in the round of 16 deciding away from home.

The Ecuadorian team led Group B in the qualifying stage. 

Grêmio now focuses solely and exclusively on the Brasileirão.

They will play again on Saturday (26), when they will visit Palmeiras at Allianz.

They have 17 points in 14 games played. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 SILVIO AVILA - AFP or licensors