RB Bragantino
Gustavo Marques broke Gremio’s hearts in the 95th minute to hand RB Bragantino a dramatic 1-0 victory in Serie A’s Round 24, sparking pandemonium at Nabi Abi Chedid Stadium as the hosts’ relentless pressure finally told in stoppage time.
RB Bragantino’s Dominance
RB Bragantino came flying out of the traps, dictating proceedings with 54% possession and 27 shots to Gremio’s meager 14. Their intent was clear early on when Jose Herrera thought he’d opened the scoring in the 14th minute, only for VAR to cruelly rule it out after a tense review. Juninho Capixaba’s yellow card in the 25th minute was the only blemish in a first half where Bragantino peppered Weverton’s goal but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Gremio’s Resilience
Gremio, backed into a corner, relied on gritty defending and a trio of second-half substitutions to try and weather the storm. Weverton stood tall between the sticks, making crucial saves, while Erick Noriega’s yellow card in first-half stoppage time epitomized their combative approach. Wallace’s late booking in the 86th minute summed up a backs-to-the-wall display that looked set to earn a point.
The Late Drama
But just as Gremio dared to dream, Gustavo Neves unlocked their defense with a pinpoint pass in the dying embers, and Marques held his nerve to slot home, sending the Bragantino faithful into delirium. It was a cruel blow for Gremio, whose resistance had lasted 94 minutes but couldn’t withstand Bragantino’s final assault.
What This Result Means
For RB Bragantino, this victory cements their status as Serie A contenders, their never-say-die attitude rewarded in the most dramatic fashion. Gustavo Marques’ heroics will be remembered as a season-defining moment. Gremio, meanwhile, are left to rue what might have been, their valiant defensive effort undone in the cruelest of circumstances. Both sides now turn their attention to Round 25, with Bragantino riding a wave of momentum and Gremio desperate to bounce back.
Key Moments
90+5′ ⚽ RB Bragantino — Gustavo Marques (assist: Gustavo Neves)
