Gre-Nal quarter-final opens with relegation fears and R$ nine million at stake | OneFootball

Internacional host Grêmio in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg on Thursday at 20:00, with both clubs mired in relegation trouble.

According to Globo.com, insiders view victory over their fiercest rivals as a possible turning point, while progression is worth R$ nine million, timely for both after recent sanctions.

Inter have won only once since the World Cup break, beating Corinthians at Beira-Rio in the last 16. They are 16th in the league on 25 points, one win fewer than Grêmio, who have the same tally and sit a place higher, just one clear of Mirassol.

Grêmio have two wins from nine since the break, against Mirassol in the cup and São Paulo in the league, both at the Arena. After defeat in Bragança Paulista on Sunday, fans tried to protest at Salgado Filho airport, but the attempt failed, and on Monday Luís Castro and senior players met organised groups.

Inter were booed after a 0-0 draw with Atlético-MG on Saturday, and anger at the previous game targeted president Alessandro Barcellos when Remo equalised late on. Grêmio executive Paulo Pelaipe has urged results while maintaining faith in Castro, whereas Inter’s board have set no public deadline for Paulo Pezzolano despite online criticism.

The return is next Thursday at 20:00 at the Arena.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”