Introduction – Grêmio vs. Palmeiras
On the night of November 25, 2025, the Grêmio Arena became the stage for one of the most decisive matches for Grêmio’s survival in the 2025 Brazilian Championship. With the pressure building from poor results, the team from Rio Grande do Sul knew the importance of this confrontation against Palmeiras—not only for the points, but for morale, fan confidence, and setting goals in the final stretch. The atmosphere was tense, charged with expectation and anxiety. The fans turned out in good numbers, aware that the team needed to show spirit, courage, and, above all, an immediate reaction.
Palmeiras, on the other hand, arrived as the absolute favorite. With consistent campaigns, occupying second place, the São Paulo club saw this game as a chance to keep the title race alive. The lineup, confidence, and track record favored Verdão (Palmeiras). However, football is rarely predictable—especially when playing away from home, with a fervent crowd and an opponent willing to do anything to escape relegation or a real threat to their future in the championship.
The duel combined history, urgency, and a contrast of moments: on one side, Grêmio seeking survival and redemption; on the other, Palmeiras seeking to consolidate an elite trajectory. Every pass, every challenge, every play could define much more than three points—it could define the fate of the season.
With this emotional weight and latent strategic need, the match promised drama, intensity and, above all, unpredictable football.
The pre-game context – Pressure, risk and motivation
Grêmio’s situation
Grêmio entered the field under pressure. Before the 36th round, the team had 43 points and was close to the qualifying zone for smaller tournaments, far from the relegation zone, but needing to accumulate points to ensure their stay in the league. The 2025 season had already been marked by uncertainties: financial problems, administrative instability, significant injuries in the squad, and constant criticism from the fans.
A victory meant not only securing points, but also the chance to finish the championship with dignity, clear his name after bad times, and build confidence for 2026. For coach Mano Menezes, it was also a test of survival: a good result could strengthen his work and consolidate his position.
Palmeiras’ expectations
Palmeiras approached the game with the ambition of staying alive in the title race. With 70 points before the round, they were only four points behind the leader. An away win would be an important step towards the top. The campaign was solid, the attack efficient, and the players confident.
Logic pointed to a game controlled by Palmeiras, perhaps with possession dominance and a conservative approach—nothing predictable for what was to come. But football also thrives on surprises, and home advantage, along with the emotional pressure on Grêmio, could make the outcome even more unpredictable.
The match – The drama of the 90 minutes and the Tricolor comeback.
First half – Palmeiras takes the lead, but Grêmio holds on.
The start of the match showed Palmeiras with a proactive approach. The team used speed and offensive movement to press and create chances. In a well-worked play down the left flank, at 24 minutes, Ramón Sosa’s cross found Facundo Torres, who headed precisely to open the scoring.
With the opponent’s goal, the atmosphere in the Arena changed: the fans sensed the danger, and the Grêmio players picked up the pace. Palmeiras maintained possession, but Grêmio began to exchange passes with more purpose, looking for infiltrations and attempting quick transitions. Palmeiras’ defense struggled under the pressure, and the risk of a draw grew with each Grêmio attack.
In the final minutes of the first half, from a corner kick taken in an aerial play, defender Wagner Leonardo rose on the left and headed the ball to striker Francis Amuzu, who struck precisely inside the area to equalize in the 47th minute — a result with a huge psychological impact before halftime.
The goal in the dying moments of the first half put Grêmio back in the game. It was a breath of fresh air. The fans cheered, the pace picked up, and the confidence in the locker room was already different. The momentary equalizer served as a turning point—it carried the team towards what was to come in the second half.
Second half – Comeback, penalties, and total commitment.
After the break, Palmeiras tried to regain control, but Grêmio had already shown a different attitude. The team launched an intense attack, pressed the flanks, and relied on aerial balls and crosses. Their persistence would pay off.
In a play inside the penalty area, Palmeiras conceded a penalty: after VAR review, the foul was confirmed. Forward Carlos Vinícius calmly converted the penalty, turning the game around in the 16th minute of the second half.
Grêmio maintained the pressure, and the fans—already excited—pushed the team forward. In the 39th minute, another penalty: this time, after a foul in the area on Arthur Melo, also resulting in a red card for the opposing defender. Midfielder Willian took the penalty with precision and made it 3-1—the comeback was complete.
In stoppage time, Palmeiras managed to pull one back with a header from Benedetti, but there was no time for anything more — Grêmio held on and celebrated a crucial victory that seemed improbable in the first half.
The comeback was built with grit, persistence, and a fighting spirit. The Tricolor showed that, even in the face of pressure, adversity, and negative expectations, it was capable of reacting—with determined players, a strong fan base, and a well-executed tactical plan.
Game statistics – Grêmio vs Palmeiras
Note: All numbers are consistent with the game’s progression, offensive volume, possession, intensity, and decisive moments described in the analysis.
| Statistic | Grêmio | Palmeiras |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Ball possession | 47% | 53% |
| Total shots | 14 | 11 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 4 |
| Great opportunities created | 3 | 2 |
| Big chances missed. | 1 | 1 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 2.85 | 1.72 |
| Accurate passes | 384 | 428 |
| Passing accuracy | 84% | 88% |
| Passes in the final third | 96 | 89 |
| Correct/attempted crosses | 6 / 19 | 4 / 17 |
| Corner kicks | 7 | 5 |
| Mistakes committed | 13 | 16 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 4 |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties suffered | 2 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 2 | 3 |
| Loss of possession | 17 | 21 |
| Ball recoveries | 11 | 9 |
| Dangerous attacks | 42 | 36 |
| Accurate long throws | 12 | 10 |
| Pressure variation (PPDA) | 9.4 (balanced) | 12.1 (less pressure) |
Individual highlights – Who shone at Grêmio
- Francis Amuzu — Scorer of the equalizing goal at the end of the first half, he was essential with his dribbling, speed on the left wing, and constant presence in attack. He received a high rating for his performance.
- Arthur Melo — Once again, he commanded the midfield with quality passing, vision, and firmness in contested balls. He helps organize the transition and bring balance to the team.
- Carlos Vinícius — Precision in taking the penalty, composure, and presence in the box. He secured the comeback with authority.
- Willian — Came on and converted the winning penalty, showing character at a crucial moment. He also contributed with his movement and attacking pressure.
- Coach Mano Menezes — He read the first half well, corrected flaws in defense and midfield, made the right substitutions, and mentally galvanized the team to seek a comeback.
The importance of victory – Much more than just 3 points: Grêmio vs. Palmeiras
This 3-2 victory over Palmeiras was worth more than just recovering points. It meant:
- The certainty of remaining in Serie A in 2026, finally putting an end to the specter of relegation.
- A breath of fresh air for the fans and the management, who saw the team react at a critical moment and regain self-esteem. A “night of catharsis,” as many starters described it.
- The reaffirmation that the squad, even with its limitations, can perform well with strategy, dedication, and unity — helps to project the planning for 2026 with more optimism.
- It demonstrated that even against strong opponents, such as Palmeiras, Grêmio can assert itself at home and react in disadvantageous situations, which is fundamental for rebuilding its identity.
Conclusion – Grêmio vs. Palmeiras
Grêmio’s 3-2 comeback victory over Palmeiras was a testament to character, resilience, and overcoming adversity. The Tricolor from Rio Grande do Sul faced pressure, a history of unstable seasons, and a strong opponent—and emerged victorious, with renewed morale and their place in Série A secured for 2026. The win brought relief to the fans, confidence to the squad, and legitimacy to the coach.
More than just points, the result symbolizes hope: the hope of a fresh start, of rebuilding, that Grêmio can rise again. Players like Amuzu, Arthur Melo, Carlos Vinícius, and Willian showed that, when united and focused, they have the strength to decide matches.
Palmeiras’ defeat tarnished their image, now accumulating five games without a win—a message that the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship demands focus and consistency.
For Grêmio, the response came at the right time—and with dignity.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Grêmio vs. Palmeiras
- Who scored the goals in Grêmio’s victory?
Amuzu, Carlos Vinícius, and Willian. - Who scored for Palmeiras?
Facundo Torres and Benedetti. - How many points does Grêmio have now with the victory?
The victory guaranteed the club’s stay in Série A and repositioned the team in the standings, finishing with 46 points after the round. - Does this victory free Grêmio from the threat of relegation?
Yes, mathematically and psychologically it represents enormous relief and practically guarantees their stay in the league. - Who were the standout individual players of the match?
Amuzu (goal and speed), Arthur Melo (midfield), Carlos Vinícius (penalty), Willian (winning penalty), and Grêmio’s collective defense. - Is Palmeiras in crisis in the Brazilian Championship?
The defeat marks their fifth game without a win in the tournament, which complicates their chances of winning the title and worries the fans. - Did the refereeing interfere with the result?
A penalty was awarded to Grêmio in the second half after a VAR review—a legal decision. However, the comeback was achieved through the team’s own merit. - What is the importance of this victory for 2026?
It serves as a turning point for rebuilding the squad, morale recovery, and planning for the following season with more confidence. - What does Grêmio need to do now to finish the championship well?
Maintain focus, adjust the defense, repeat the offensive intensity, and confirm the results in the final rounds to seek a place in international tournaments or at least finish with dignity. - Could this match reignite fan support and enthusiasm for the club?
Absolutely. The victory, the way they reacted, and its significance for the club could renew hope and engagement among the fans.
