Gremio wins Brazil Cup, earns place in Copa Libertadores

Gremio won the Brazil Cup footbal tournament after drawing at home against Atletico Mineiro and earning themselves a place in the next edition of Copa Libertadores.

The two teams had earlier faced off November 23 at Belo Horizonte's Mineirao Stadium, which Gremio had won 3-1, reports Efe.

In Wednesday's match at the Arena do Gremio stadium in Porto Alegre, the two teams drew in the last few minutes of the second half.

Atletico's Robinho (ex-Real Madrid) had dominated the game through the first half but Gremio prevailed and scored first during the 88 minute with a goal from attacker Miller Bolanos with help from teammates Luan and Everton.

Three minutes later Atletico tied the score with a long-distance shot by midfielder Cazares.

Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed before the start of the match in memory of the Chapecoense footballers, who died in the plane crash on November 28 on their way to Colombia for the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional.

With its fifth Brazil Cup, Gremio, who last won this trophy in 2001, is now the most awarded team in this competition.

The Brazil Cup brings together the champions and runners-up of regional tournaments in 27 states of the country besides others who enter through a different criteria of competition.

--IANS

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