Grêmio vs Athletico-PR Prediction: Grêmio needs a victory

It hasn't been easy for the Gaúchos lately. If their performance in the Copa Libertadores has been disappointing, their start in the Brasileirão hasn't been promising either. Three defeats in the last four matches concern the fans, who have probably already forgotten the victory in the Campeonato Gaúcho final against Juventude. Renato Portaluppi's team must win urgently.

Second place in the Brasileirão last season was a remarkable achievement. The Immortal had come from the Série B, and to have fought for the title was extraordinary, something only possible due to Luis Suárez's goals and his leadership on the pitch. Without the Uruguayan striker, the team seems to have lost its helmsman on the pitch. It's up to its experienced coach to get Grêmio back on track. In Rio de Janeiro, against Vasco, a horrible first half saw the team go into the break 2-0 down. There was a reaction in the second half, but it was insufficient. The Gaúchos must win at home to Athletico, but they'll come up against a very confident side.

The Hurricane is playing very well since Cuca took charge of the team. Athletico has won eight in a row, including games in the Campeonato Paranaense, the Copa Sudamericana, and now against Cuiabá in Brasileirão Round 1. The 4-0 win against Dourado was unquestionable, with three goals in the first half. Last season, the Paranaenses won 2-1 at the Arena do Grêmio, which was, at the time, a surprising result. The players are confident enough to think about another victory in Porto Alegre. 

Grêmio has been failing where everything is decided, near the goals. The team has made mistakes in defense, its biggest weakness last season, and has failed to be effective despite creating chances. There's no Luis Suárez now, and the team seems to miss him a lot. Athletico's attacking dynamics suggest that the Paranaenses will score in Porto Alegre. It's on that basis that I will bet on both teams scoring.