Grêmio chase safety and Sudamericana top spot, prize pot could hit about R$ 6 million | OneFootball

Grêmio have ticked off the first of three short term targets, reaching the Copa do Brasil last 16. Before the World Cup break they are aiming to climb out of the Brasileirão relegation zone and to finish top of their Copa Sudamericana group.

According to Globo.com, they could escape the drop as early as Sunday, when they visit Bahia in Salvador for round 16.

Grêmio are 17th on 17 points, one behind safety, and only three off eighth in a tight table. Head coach Luís Castro regards the situation as uncomfortable, and the board do not want to hit the pause still in the bottom four.

In the Sudamericana, they sit second in Group F on seven points, behind Montevideo City Torque on nine. With two home games to come, including against the Uruguayans, they control their fate to qualify directly for the last 16.

Topping the group would pay $600,000, about R$ 3 million. Progress to the Copa do Brasil last 16 is already worth R$ 3 million, taking the pot towards roughly R$ 6 million, excluding $125,000, R$ 650,000, for each Sudamericana win.

The run to the break reads Bahia away, then four at home, against Palestino, Santos, Montevideo City Torque and Corinthians.

Source: Globo.com