Some nights in football are just packed with more drama than a season finale of your favorite TV show. That was exactly the case this past Tuesday in Porto Alegre. We saw Grêmio pull off a stunning comeback win against Palmeiras, a result that had Flamengo fans celebrating. But the on-pitch action was almost overshadowed by some bizarre off-pitch confusion involving star goalkeeper Weverton. It was a night of twists, turns, and even a trip down memory lane.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Grêmio staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Palmeiras 3-2 in a crucial Brasileirão match.
- ✓ Goalkeeper Weverton was mistakenly listed on the teamsheet due to a clerical error while he recovers from a hand injury.
- ✓ The match featured two decisive penalties for Grêmio, one awarded after a VAR review.
- ✓ Grêmio celebrated the 20th anniversary of the legendary "Batalha dos Aflitos" with a halftime ceremony.
- ✓ Despite the loss, Palmeiras is focused on the upcoming Libertadores final against Flamengo.
The Curious Case of Weverton's Disappearing Act
So, let's start with the strangest moment of the night. The official team sheet for the Grêmio vs. Palmeiras match dropped, and there he was: Weverton, listed on the bench. For a moment, it seemed like a huge boost for the team. But just as quickly as the news broke, Palmeiras came out with a clarification that left everyone scratching their heads. It was all a mistake.
The club officially stated that the goalkeeper was included "em razão de um erro no preenchimento da súmula" – basically, a simple clerical error when filling out the form. He was never meant to be a substitute for the game. The truth is, Weverton is still in the middle of a delicate recovery process after suffering a fissure in a bone in his right hand last month. He’s not quite ready for matchday action just yet.
Instead of Weverton, the experienced Marcelo Lomba was in goal for Palmeiras, with Aranha serving as his backup. Meanwhile, Carlos Miguel, who had impressively held down the fort for ten straight games, was given a well-deserved rest by coach Abel Ferreira, likely to keep him fresh. The whole mix-up was a weird footnote on a night that had plenty of other stories to tell.
The Road to Recovery and the Final Looms
The good news for Palmeiras fans is that Weverton's recovery seems to be heading in the right direction. He took a huge step forward last Friday, November 21st, when he returned to training on the grass. Of course, he's still taking precautions, wearing protection on the injured hand and training with some restrictions, but it’s a very positive sign.
Behind the scenes, there’s a quiet optimism that he could be fit enough to be involved in the biggest game of the season: the Libertadores final against Flamengo on Saturday, November 29th. His return to the pitch indicates the healing is progressing as hoped. He's known for his intense focus, spending his time in internal sessions and physical therapy, all aimed at being ready for that massive clash.
On the Pitch: A Tale of Two Halves
With the Libertadores final just days away, Abel Ferreira fielded a completely alternative lineup. You might think a reserve team would be disjointed, but Palmeiras came out looking sharp, organized, and totally pressure-free. They started the match on the front foot, pressing Grêmio and controlling the flow of the game in the attacking half.
It didn't take long for them to create chances. Just four minutes in, Felipe Anderson forced a save that led to a corner. A few minutes later, Jefté sent a shot fizzing just past the post. The pressure finally paid off at the 23-minute mark. Jefté started a beautiful move down the left, passed to Sosa, who then whipped in a perfect cross for Facundo Torres. The Uruguayan was all alone in the six-yard box and made no mistake, heading it into the back of the net to give Palmeiras a deserved 1-0 lead.
Just when it looked like Palmeiras would cruise into halftime with the lead, Grêmio found a lifeline. In the 47th minute, right on the stroke of halftime, a throw-in from Marcos Rocha was headed on by Wagner Leonardo, and Amuzu was in the right place at the right time to poke it home. Suddenly, it was 1-1, and the entire momentum of the game felt like it had shifted.
Penalty Drama and a Famous Victory
Grêmio came out for the second half with a renewed sense of confidence, while Palmeiras started to struggle to find their rhythm. The turning point arrived just 12 minutes in. Carlos Vinícius made a run into the box and was brought down by a clumsy challenge from behind by Aníbal Moreno. Initially, the referee, Savio Pereira Sampaio, waved play on, much to the fury of the home crowd.
But then, the VAR booth called him over. After a review of the monitor, Sampaio pointed to the spot. Carlos Vinícius himself stepped up and coolly sent Lomba the wrong way, slotting the ball into the corner to complete the turnaround. Grêmio was ahead 2-1, and the stadium erupted. The result was a huge deal not just for Grêmio, but also for Flamengo supporters, who were keeping a close eye on the title race implications.
The drama wasn't over. At the 34-minute mark, Giay brought down Arthur Melo inside the box. This time, the referee didn't hesitate, immediately awarding another penalty and showing Giay a straight red card. After a slight delay, Willian stepped up to the spot and calmly converted, extending Grêmio's lead to 3-1. Palmeiras didn't give up, though. Deep into stoppage time, at 49 minutes, Benedetti capped off a solid personal performance by scoring off a cross from Allan, but it was too little, too late. The final score was 3-2 to Grêmio.
A Halftime Show 20 Years in the Making
As if the on-field action wasn't enough, the night was also steeped in history. During the halftime interval, Grêmio celebrated the 20th anniversary of one of the most iconic moments in Brazilian football: the "Batalha dos Aflitos" (Battle of the Aflitos). For those who don't know the story, it's the stuff of legend. On November 26, 2005, Grêmio faced Náutico in a match that would decide promotion to the first division.
Against all odds, Grêmio found themselves down to just seven players, facing two penalty kicks against them. It seemed impossible. Yet, they prevailed, not only winning the match but also securing the championship title in a display of pure grit and defiance that cemented the club's "Imortal" nickname. It's a story that is truly unique in world football.
To honor this incredible achievement, the heroes of that day were invited onto the pitch. Players like Galatto, Patrício, Lucas Leiva, Pereira, and Nunes, among others, took a lap of honor around the stadium. The fans in attendance gave them a thunderous ovation, celebrating the men who are forever immortalized in the club's history. It was a beautiful moment that connected the club's glorious past with its present.
Conclusion
What a night it was. We had a thrilling comeback victory fueled by penalty drama, a bizarre administrative error that sparked widespread confusion, and a powerful tribute to one of football's greatest underdog stories. It perfectly encapsulated the passion, chaos, and history that makes Brazilian football so captivating. While Grêmio celebrates a massive win, all eyes for Palmeiras now turn to the monumental Libertadores final, hoping their star keeper Weverton will be ready for the fight.
