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May 2013 Part 1

01.05.13 – San Martin de Porres – Copa Libertadores Second Round 1st Leg
Cristal v Gremio

1 – 1
Solis (3) - Kelvin (2)

04.05.13 – Arena Gremio - Gaucho State Championship Closing Final
Gremio v Internacional

6 – 1
Vargas (4) Ronaldinho (17) Barcos (21, 26, 85) Aurelio (34) – Damiao (81)

08.05.13 – Arena Gremio - Copa Libertadores Second Round 2nd Leg
Gremio v Cristal

3 – 1
Jardel (24) Ronaldinho (29) Barcos (90+4) – Cabello (48)
(4-2 agg.)

RONALDO FOCUSED

Gremio boss Ronaldo has ensured fans that he is only focused on winning in response to recent critics from opposition Dunga.

The Internacional coach openly criticised Gremio’s still of play and sportsmanship after the 6-1 thrashing, declaring Ronaldo had ordered his players to behave disrespectfully.

However, Ronaldo insists that he will not give comments from his former teammate the light of day and his only job is to win versus their rivals.

“I’ve got no response for Dunga’s comments; all I’m focused on is our game. This is not about me nor is it about Dunga. It is about a State final in between two rivals that I want to help win.

“I don’t know why this problem keeps on appearing and I don’t know why it is being said. Maybe it’s just Dunga’s way of dealing with rivalry. Either way I don’t think it is appropriate for me to contribute to it and all I’m concerned about is winning on Saturday.”

This isn’t the first time Dunga has confronted the former Brazilian striker after the Internacional boss refuted any Ronaldo compliments before last week’s clash.

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MINEIRO LAND GREMIO DRAW

Atletico Mineiro has today been confirmed as Gremio’s opponent for the Copa Libertadores Quarter Final.

The clash sees Brazilian legend Ronaldinho return to his former club early before the start of the Brasileirao after joining Gremio as a free agent.

Brazilian clubs continued the fly the flag once again this round, totalling up half of the teams still left in the tournament.

Sao Paulo will restart their bid for victory with a visit to Argentinians Newell Old Boys as Fluminense take on Arsenal de Sarandi.

Elsewhere, the final two Mexican sides have also been paired up together as Toluca awaits Xolos Tijuana at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.

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May 2013 Part 2

11.05.13 – Centenario - Gaucho State Championship Final 1st Leg
Internacional v Gremio

1 – 1
Damiao (50) - Barcos (5) Saimon (73)

TEMPERS FLARE IN RIVAL CLASH

The Brazilian Association are set to hand out fines and bans to both Gremio and Internacional following an ill-tempered clash.

The rivals were as inseparable on the score sheet as they were on the pitch as the referee was forced to stop play numerous times during the 1-1 draw.

The referee dished out in total 12 yellow cards and one player certain to receive further repercussions is Gremio centre half Saimon.

Saimon was shown a red card after coming to blows with Internacional assistant Osmar Loss on the touchline, prompting Dunga to call the defender a “coward”.

“This is not good for football, sport or humanity. What we saw today from Saimon and company was a complete disgrace.



“Saimon in particular should show more respect to his opposition but he prefers to insult and then hit a guy when he’s not even looking. He was the main culprit for today’s troubles and a total coward.”

Ronaldo has however rubbished claims that Saimon was to blame; declaring today was a collective problem.

“We have to look at the bigger picture here instead of pointing fingers. What happen today was totally wrong but there was over 22 responsible men out there who are each responsible for their own actions.

“It’s not just a Gremio vs Internacional problem, this happens everywhere and instead of talking about the game, we are talking about controversy. Football in Brazil needs to move on from these incidents.

“We will take full responsibility for our actions without any sort of bias judgement and I expect Internacional will too so that this doesn’t spoil the second leg.”

Gremio will receive Internacional at the Arena Gremio next Saturday with the scores locked at 1-1.

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FERNANDO WANTS OUT

Brazilian international and Gremio star Fernando has handed in a transfer request in hope of clinching a big move to Europe.

According to the midfielder’s agent, he feels his time at Gremio is nearing an end and that he hopes a move to a bigger club can maximise his potential and get him a place in Brazil’s coveted 2014 World Cup Squad.

The 21 year old currently valued at £7m could see his price double as interest from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain intensifies.

Gremio boss Ronaldo and other board members are thought to be ready to cash in on the midfielder following the revelation of their deteriorating finances.

May 2013 Part 3

15.05.13 – Arena Gremio – Copa Libertadores Quarter Final 1st Leg
Gremio v Atletico Mineiro

3 – 0
Kelvin (22) Dudu (62) Barcos (73)

18.05.13 – Arena Gremio - Gaucho State Championship Final 2nd Leg
Gremio v Internacional

2 – 1
Muriel O.G. (30) Jardel (57) - Damiao (17)
(3-2 agg.)

GREMIO STATE CHAMPIONS

Gremio has overcome rivals Internacional to become the 2013 Gaucho State champions after a 2-1 at Arena Gremio.

Internacional were looking to add a third consecutive Gaucho title but were impeded by Gremio who win their first since 2010.



The visitors started brightest when Leandro Damiao fired in a shot from 20 yards out but Gremio responded with an equaliser coming off the back of Internacional keeper Muriel.

Gremio continued to dominate throughout the first half and early stages of the second before Jardel put the home side in front for the first time in the game with a powerful header.

Internacional tried to get back into the game, hoping star man Damiao could salvage a win but Gremio managed to keep their rivals out and take the trophy home.

Ronaldo couldn’t hide his delight after the game, stating his players deserved full credit for the triumph.



“I'm so happy to have achieved this so early in my career. May this be the first trophy of many for me here.

“We were the better team throughout the Championship and fully deserved it. We emerged today with fresh minds set on winning.

“We were keen to put the first leg behind us and I think we hit all the right notes today and the players deserve all the praise for that. Our attitude was exemplary."

Ronaldo also dodged further embroilment with Internacional, refusing to believe their rivals still had their minds on the controversial first leg.

“I don’t believe that was the case for them. If anybody was to be affected by last Saturday, it would be us who lost a player through suspension and were vilified by many unfortunately. I take no credit away from our victory and the challenge that was put in front of us.

“We know exactly how good Inter are but my players were once again the better side and are now celebrating their hard work. There are no other factors.



“Now we can focus on having a solid season and Copa Libertadores campaign. Winning today will be a huge boost for the club and today is a day for all fans to remember and be proud of.”

The Gaucho champions will begin their Brasileirao season when they face Nautico away from home later this month.