Grêmio’s frustrating draw extends negative streak against RB Bragantino in 2025 Brasileirão

Grêmio’s frustrating draw extends negative streak against RB Bragantino in 2025 Brasileirão

Grêmio faced a familiar challenge this past Thursday, May 12, 2025, when they hosted Red Bull Bragantino at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre. The match, part of the fifth round of the Série A of the Campeonato Brasileiro, ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that further entrenched a concerning trend for the Tricolor.

The stalemate marked another instance where Grêmio failed to secure a victory against the Massa Bruta, extending a winless drought that has now spanned several seasons. This pattern has become a notable tabu, adding a layer of intensity to every encounter between the two clubs.

Despite moments of promise and an early lead, Grêmio ultimately couldn’t overcome their opponent, highlighting a persistent difficulty in breaking Bragantino’s recent dominance over the Porto Alegre side. The draw ensures the search for a decisive victory continues.

Grêmio’s persistent winless streak against Massa Bruta

The historical record between Grêmio and Red Bull Bragantino reveals a challenging scenario for the Gaúchos. The Tricolor’s last triumph against the team from Bragança Paulista dates back to the 2021 Brasileirão season, a convincing 3-0 home victory.

Since that 2021 win, the landscape of their encounters has shifted significantly. RB Bragantino has consistently held the upper hand, securing three victories against Grêmio while four matches, including the recent 1-1 draw in 2025, have ended in stalemates. This consistent performance underscores the “tabu negativo” that has become a talking point among fans and analysts.

First half intensity: Grêmio’s early lead challenged

The match ignited quickly, with Grêmio creating their first significant opportunity just two minutes into the first half. Pavon delivered a free-kick into the area, which took a deflection off a RB Bragantino defender and forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Cleiton, who palmed it away for a corner.

The home side’s pressure paid off shortly after, as Carlos Vinicius opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The forward expertly headed a cross from Enamorado past the goalkeeper, who was caught off balance, giving Grêmio a 1-0 lead and igniting the crowd at the Arena.

Just six minutes later, Carlos Vinicius was presented with another golden chance to double the lead. Following a precise low pass from Enamorado, the Tricolor’s top scorer found himself face-to-face with Cleiton. He attempted to dribble past the keeper, who bravely dived to deny him, and despite recovering the ball for a follow-up shot, Pedro Henrique was well-positioned to clear the danger, preventing an early two-goal cushion.

As the half progressed, RB Bragantino gradually increased their offensive output. However, their efforts lacked effectiveness in the final third, struggling to convert their possession and build-up play into clear-cut scoring chances until a controversial moment changed the flow of the game.

VAR intervenes and Bragantino pushes forward

Bragantino believed they had found the equalizer in the 22nd minute. Sasha, receiving the ball with his back to goal from Gustavo Marques, executed a clever pass that put Lucas Barbosa through on goal. Barbosa then sprinted towards Weverton and fired a shot into the upper corner, seemingly leveling the score.

However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) meticulously reviewed the play and subsequently disallowed the goal due to an offside infringement. The replay clearly indicated Lucas Barbosa was marginally ahead of the last defender at the moment the pass was made, much to the relief of the Grêmio faithful.

Second half dynamics and leveling the score

The second half commenced with RB Bragantino maintaining their offensive posture, determined to find an equalizer. Despite their sustained pressure, it was Grêmio who registered the first significant opportunity of the complementary period. In the sixth minute, Pavon delivered another accurate cross, finding Carlos Vinicius’s head, but the striker’s effort was once again thwarted by a strong save from Cleiton.

Weverton, Grêmio’s goalkeeper, proved his worth with a crucial double-save in the 14th minute. He first parried a powerful shot from Herrera and then promptly recovered to deny Hurtado on the follow-up, keeping his team in the lead amidst Bragantino’s persistent attacks. Enamorado nearly extended Grêmio’s lead in the 18th minute, bursting down the right flank and unleashing a shot that Cleiton saved, with the subsequent rebound hitting the side netting.

The equalizer eventually arrived for RB Bragantino in the 20th minute, courtesy of Rodriguinho. The newly substituted midfielder unleashed a shot from outside the box that took a crucial deflection, wrong-footing Weverton and finding the back of the net, making the score 1-1 and shifting the momentum.

Bragantino’s dominance in recent clashes

The pattern of Bragantino holding an edge over Grêmio is evident in their recent head-to-head record since 2021. Following Grêmio’s 3-0 victory, the teams have met seven times across various Brasileirão seasons. These encounters have consistently seen Bragantino either secure a win or hold Grêmio to a draw, showcasing a tactical advantage or a psychological barrier for the Tricolor. This run includes three victories for the Massa Bruta (1-0 in 2025, 2-0 in 2024, 2-0 in 2023) and four draws (1-1 in 2025, 2-2 in 2024, 3-3 in 2023, and the recent 1-1 draw in 2025). This sequence demonstrates a clear trend where Bragantino consistently avoids defeat against Grêmio, whether playing at home or away, a factor that continues to frustrate the Porto Alegre side and their supporters.

Grêmio seeks to break the pattern in upcoming fixtures

The persistent tabu against RB Bragantino presents a significant challenge for Grêmio as they navigate the demanding Brasileirão season. Breaking this pattern will be crucial for the team’s morale and their aspirations in the league, requiring strategic adjustments and a renewed focus in future encounters.

Key moments from the recent 1-1 draw

Sasha nearly gave the Massa Bruta the lead shortly after their equalizer, but Weverton once again came up with a crucial save, demonstrating his importance to Grêmio’s defense. Roger then crossed for Carlos Vinicius, who had another header opportunity in the 28th minute of the second half, but Cleiton was there to deny him, maintaining the draw.

The final minutes of the match were dominated by RB Bragantino, as they pushed Grêmio deep into their defensive half. In the 44th minute, Rodriguinho had a golden opportunity to secure a late victory, attempting to lob Weverton, but his shot narrowly missed the target, sailing wide of the post, thus preserving the 1-1 draw.

Grêmio, RB Bragantino, Brasileirão 2025, tabu negativo, Carlos Vinicius, Grêmio vs Bragantino history