Solidity or illusion? Luís Castro's Grêmio defensive numbers | OneFootball

After the draw with Bahia in Salvador, head coach Luís Castro praised Grêmio’s defensive solidity, highlighting that the team has conceded only two goals in its last eight matches.

However, a report by GZH issues an important warning: the defense was breached precisely when the coach used a three-center-back system.

In the matches in which Tricolor kept a clean sheet — wins over Confiança (2-0 and 3-0) and Coritiba (1-0), as well as the draw with Palestino (0-0) — the team played in other formations.

For Luís Castro, the tactical setup matters least. "We’ve already lost with two center backs, with three... In football, the structure is what matters least. What matters most is the dynamics," he explained.

The Weverton factor

Despite the few goals conceded, Grêmio was far from impenetrable. Over this eight-game stretch, the team faced 62 shots.

That statistic only did not turn into goals thanks to goalkeeper Weverton. With 15 crucial saves, he became the standout figure in that area and returned to the radar of the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup.

In the four matches in which they played with a back three (against Athletico-PR, Riestra, Flamengo, and Bahia), Grêmio allowed an impressive 62 shots from opponents — an average of 15.5 per match.

Luís Castro’s challenge now is to adjust the team’s dynamics so that Grêmio relies less on its goalkeeper’s miracles for the rest of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 DANTE FERNANDEZ - AFP or licensors