Copa Sudamericana: Grêmio Wins on the Road

The Copa Sudamericana group stage opened with a thrilling round of matches, delivering drama, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. After an eventful Tuesday, Wednesday’s fixtures continued the excitement as Brazilian clubs faced mixed fortunes.

Copa Sudamericana: Brazilian Clubs Face Mixed Results in Opening Matches

Fluminense wins, Cruzeiro stumbles, and Atlético-MG draws in Copa Sudamericana openers. A mixed start for Brazilian clubs in the group stage.

Pitchside USPaulo Alves Jr.

Grêmio secured a crucial away win, Vasco da Gama let a commanding lead slip, Corinthians suffered a shock home defeat, and Vitória battled to a hard-fought draw in their tournament return. With the competition heating up, teams now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures that could shape their continental ambitions.

Sportivo Luqueño 1-2 Grêmio

Grêmio kicked off their Copa Sudamericana campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sportivo Luqueño in Paraguay. The Brazilian side struck first when Arezo converted a penalty, but the hosts quickly capitalized on a defensive lapse by Jemerson to level the score. The decisive moment came in the second half, as Braithwaite rose to meet Cristian Olivera's cross, sealing the win with a precise header.

With three points secured, Grêmio now awaits the outcome of Atlético Grau vs. Godoy Cruz to determine their standing in Group D. Next up, they will host Atlético Grau on Tuesday, while Sportivo Luqueño travels to Argentina to face Godoy Cruz. Grêmio also has a Brasileirão fixture against Ceará on Saturday.

Melgar 3-3 Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama's Copa Sudamericana debut saw them race to a two-goal lead against Melgar in Arequipa, only to settle for a dramatic 3-3 draw. Philippe Coutinho delivered a standout performance, scoring a stunning goal and assisting Vegetti for his brace. However, defensive frailties cost Vasco as Melgar clawed back with three headed goals, including a late equalizer from Cabrera.

Vasco now shifts focus to their Brasileirão clash against Corinthians in São Paulo on Saturday before hosting Puerto Cabello in Sul-Americana action at São Januário on Tuesday.

Corinthians 1-2 Huracán

Huracán stunned Corinthians in the Copa Sul-Americana group stage opener, winning 2-1 with two goals by Sequeira. This marked Corinthians' first loss at Neo Química Arena after 23 games and seven months of undefeated home matches. Huracán now leads Group C with three points, while Corinthians remains scoreless and awaits the Racing vs. América de Cali match results to close the round.

Corinthians will travel to Colombia to face América de Cali in their next Copa Sul-Americana match on Tuesday, April 8. Before that, they host Vasco da Gama at Neo Química Arena on Saturday for the second round of the Brasileirão.

Vitória 1-1 Universidad de Quito

Vitória marked their return to the Copa Sudamericana after nine years with a 1-1 draw against Universidad de Quito at Barradão. The Ecuadorian visitors broke the deadlock through Londoño in the second half, but a red card to Castillo shifted momentum, allowing Matheusinho to convert from the penalty spot. Despite the numerical advantage, Vitória struggled to break down Universidad de Quito, who threatened late in the match.

With a point in Group B, Vitória will now travel to Argentina to face Defensa y Justicia on Thursday, following a Brasileirão showdown with Flamengo at home on Sunday.