Gremio Complete Comeback to Defeat Sao Paulo 2-1 in Serie A

Gremio Turn Second-Half Pressure Into 2-1 Victory

Gremio completed a comeback victory at Arena do Grêmio, defeating Sao Paulo 2-1 in Serie A’s 22nd round on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Sao Paulo led at half-time through Marcos Antonio, but Wallace equalized soon after the restart before C. Pavon struck in the 86th minute to secure three points for the hosts.

First-Half Lead Gives Sao Paulo Advantage

Sao Paulo took control of the scoreline just before the interval when Marcos Antonio opened the scoring in the 45th minute. Luciano provided the assist, allowing Sao Paulo to carry a 1-0 advantage into half-time after a disciplined first-half display.

The goal gave Sao Paulo an important platform, particularly with the visitors arriving in 12th place on 26 points from 20 matches. Gremio, who began the round 17th with 22 points, were forced to respond after struggling to turn their possession and attacking efforts into a goal before the break.

Gremio Respond Quickly After the Break

Gremio changed the momentum almost immediately after half-time. Wallace restored parity in the 48th minute, with Carlos Vinicius setting up the equalizer and giving the home side renewed belief at 1-1.

The quick response transformed the contest from one controlled by Sao Paulo’s advantage into a much more balanced encounter. Gremio’s reaction was the defining feature of the second half, as the hosts recovered from the deficit and kept pressure on Sao Paulo for a winning goal.

Pavon’s Late Goal Completes the Comeback

That decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when C. Pavon scored Gremio’s second goal. His late strike completed the turnaround and put the hosts ahead for the first time, leaving Sao Paulo with little time to find another equalizer.

Gremio’s ability to score twice after falling behind made Wallace and Pavon the key figures in the comeback. Sao Paulo’s Luciano had earlier influenced the match with his assist, but his 75th-minute yellow card was one of several disciplinary moments as the game became increasingly tense late on.

Victory Lifts Gremio as Sao Paulo Stumble

The victory lifts Gremio to 25 points after 21 matches, keeping them in 17th place in the standings listed for the round and bringing them within one point of Sao Paulo. The visitors remain on 26 points from 21 games, while their previously stronger position was weakened by a defeat after taking the lead.

Gremio’s result also interrupts a run that had included inconsistent results, with the team entering the match with two losses and a draw in their previous three fixtures. Sao Paulo, despite arriving with a better recent sequence that included several wins, could not protect their first-half advantage and left Porto Alegre without a point.