Brazilian giants Corinthians are currently languishing in mid-table following a raft of mediocre results that are below what the huge fanbase demands. As they welcomed Gremio to the Corinthians Arena, we decided to see if they could turn their fortunes around or if we were in for another upset. Yep, Corinthians v Gremio is episode 140 in our ‘Framed’ series.
With only one league win in their opening four fixtures, it’s safe to say that Corinthians are currently performing below par. Their fanbase – up there as one of the biggest in Brazil – demands more, but with a Copa do Brasil last 16 first leg against Flamengo on the horizon in midweek, attention was not fully on the task at hand.
Gremio came into the game following a crazy result in the league the week before against Fluminense. Gremio were 3-0 up halfway through the first half, but conspired to go 3-4 down, only to equalise late on… and then concede again even later, in the second minute of added time, ultimately losing the match 4-5. They needed a steadier, more assured performance in this game, and that’s exactly what they got. Sadly, it was to the detriment of any decent football.
Both teams huffed and puffed throughout, Corinthians playing in their new sponsor-heavy 2019/20 away kit for the first time, but lacking the passion of the Gaviões Da Fiel to which the shirt pays homage. Gremio’s Luan came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half as his dipping free kick struck the post. But the biggest cheer of the match came after the referee had awarded a penalty against the home side for a dubious handball, only to overturn his decision following consultation with VAR. Yep, not one for the history books this, the game ending 0-0.
Photography by Pedro Martins and Gabi Baptista for SoccerBible.
