Grêmio secured a dominant 4-1 victory over América‑RN on January 16, 2026, at Arena Plínio Marin, advancing to the Copinha 2026 quarter‑finals. Goals from Gabriel “Ney” da Silva, Matheus Bianchi, Lucas Cunha and Diego “Marron” Ferreira propelled the Tricolor to the next round, while América‑RN’s lone strike came from Rafael Costa.
Match Overview
Key Moments
Grêmio opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Gabriel “Ney” da Silva finished a precise pass from Guilherme. Matheus Bianchi doubled the lead at 38 minutes with a curling free‑kick that hit the bar and went in. After halftime, Lucas Cunha headed the third goal, and Diego “Marron” Ferreira added the fourth following a quick combination with Bianchi.
Statistics
- Possession: Grêmio 68% – América‑RN 32%
- Shots: 18 (10 on target) – 7 (3 on target)
- Yellow cards: 6 total, shared equally
Competition Context
The Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, known as “Copinha,” is Brazil’s premier U‑20 tournament. Grêmio entered the knockout stage unbeaten, with three wins and one draw, scoring 12 goals and conceding only two. Their performance positions them as a favorite for the 2026 title.
Implications for the Knockout Stage
With the win, Grêmio will face Ceará in the quarter‑finals at Fortaleza’s Estádio Domingão. The upcoming clash will test Grêmio’s balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity. Coach Renato Gaúcho praised his squad’s speed, creativity and winning mentality, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparation.
Looking Ahead
The quarter‑finals are scheduled for next weekend, followed by semifinals and the final at São Paulo’s Estádio do Pacaembu. A victory would bring Grêmio not only prestige but also an automatic berth in the 2027 senior Copa do Brasil. Young talents such as Bianchi, Cunha and Marron have already attracted interest from European scouts, highlighting the tournament’s role as a talent showcase.
