Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Carlos Vinícius scored twice as Grêmio came from behind to beat Cascavel 2-1 in a friendly at Estádio Olímpico Regional, beginning Luís Castro's inter-season preparations.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Cascavel, the home side competing in Brazil's Série D, stunned their more illustrious opponents inside 10 minutes. Camargo's strike from distance was only parried by Grêmio goalkeeper Gabriel Grando, and Saci picked up the loose ball before squaring for Willian to tap into an empty net from close range. The Estádio Olímpico Regional — packed with over 10,000 supporters according to the Cascavel official site — erupted.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Camargo won the ball in midfield and released Saci, who cut inside and forced a sharp save from Grando at full stretch. It was a pivotal moment.
Grêmio had barely registered a shot before finally responding seven minutes before half-time. Colombian winger Enamorado drove to the byline and pulled back a precise cross that Carlos Vinícius met first time to level the score at 1-1.
Luís Castro rang the changes at the break, making six substitutions including the introduction of centre-back Kannemann, midfielder Dodi, and attacking duo Monsalve and Amuzu. The reshuffled side struggled for rhythm on a rain-soaked pitch, and the game became a scrappy midfield contest.
The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute. Monsalve picked out substitute Pavon galloping into space behind the Cascavel defence, and the full-back's low cross was turned in by Carlos Vinícius from close range for his second goal of the evening.
Cascavel pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages. Herick cut in from the left and forced a late save from Grando, with defender Wallace scrambling the rebound clear. Grêmio held on for a 2-1 win.
The turning point
The half-time overhaul by Luís Castro proved decisive. By introducing Dodi and Noriega in midfield and Monsalve in attack — and later Pavon on the right — Grêmio gained the width and verticality that had been missing in the first 45 minutes. Pavon's cross for the winner came directly from that tactical reshuffle.
Key performers
Carlos Vinícius — The centre-forward was clinical with two chances, both from inside the six-yard box. His movement to lose his marker was the difference on a night when Grêmio created little else of note.
Monsalve — The Colombian playmaker added creativity after the interval and was involved in the build-up to the winner. He also had a shot well saved late on.
Saci (Cascavel) — The striker was a constant threat, providing the assist for Willian's opener and forcing a top save from Grando. Cascavel's best attacking moments ran through him.
Gabriel Grando (Grêmio) — Kept Grêmio in the match with two vital saves — the first from Saci at 0-1 and the late stop from Herick — on an otherwise nervy night for the back line.
By the numbers
Grêmio's 2-1 scoreline flattered their performance. The provider data shows Cascavel had the clearer chances in the first half and matched Grêmio physically throughout. The hosts' failure to convert their dominance into a second goal ultimately proved costly. Grêmio's xG, though not published in the raw payload, would likely reflect a side that created little from open play despite dominating possession — a recurring theme from the first half of the season that Castro will want to address.
What it means
For Grêmio, this was the first of three pre-season friendlies before competitive action resumes. They face Chapecoense on 3 July in Sinop-MT, and Cruzeiro on 12 July in Brasília. The result does little to settle concerns about creative fluency, but Carlos Vinícius' finishing is a clear positive.
For Cascavel, the match was a statement occasion — their biggest crowd of the season and a competitive showing against a Serie A giant. The focus now shifts to a Série D playoff decider away to Marcílio Dias on 28 June, with the tie level at 2-2 from the first leg.
Verdict
Grêmio got the win but not the performance. Carlos Vinícius' double papered over familiar cracks in midfield creativity and defensive solidity. Cascavel will take more from the evening than the scoreline suggests — a competitive display that proved they belong on the same pitch as Brazil's elite.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 29 Jun 2026