Grêmio faces dual pressure of relegation risk and Copa do Brasil success

Grêmio faces a dual challenge in the 2026 season as the club struggles to avoid relegation in the Campeonato Brasileiro while simultaneously competing for a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores via the Copa do Brasil.

After defeating Internacional to reach the Copa do Brasil semifinals, the team managed by Luís Castro is set to face Atlético-MG. While winning the tournament would secure a continental berth, Conmebol regulations dictate that a club must remain in the top flight to participate in the Libertadores. Consequently, Grêmio's success in the knockout tournament is contingent upon maintaining its position in Série A.

In the domestic league, Grêmio's performance away from home has reached a critical low. Following a 1-0 loss to Vitória, the club has failed to secure a single away victory in 13 matches this season, earning only four points. Historical data indicates that in the current 20-team format, every team that has finished a season without an away win has been relegated. Grêmio currently sits in 15th place, three points above the relegation zone.