Grêmio Crushes Internacional 3-1 to Reach Copa do Brasil Semifinals with Provocative Celebration

Grêmio secured a commanding 3-1 victory over their arch-rivals Internacional in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals on September 3, 2026, at the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre. The win propelled Grêmio into the semifinals where they will face Atlético-MG.

Carlos Vinícius was the star of the match, scoring two goals in the first half at the 13th and 21st minutes, capitalizing first on a corner deflection and then on a precise pass from Amuzu. Krovinović added a third goal in the second half, sealing a 3-0 aggregate victory after the first leg ended goalless. Internacional’s Vitinho scored a consolation goal late in the match but it was not enough to threaten Grêmio’s dominance. The attendance of 55,695 fans set a new record at the Arena, surpassing the previous Copa do Brasil final mark of 55,337 set in 2016.

Following the victory, Grêmio engaged in a spirited celebration characterized by a traditional waltz dance at the stadium, a well-known form of rivalry provocation against Internacional, who have been without a title for 15 years. The Grêmio mascot, Mosqueteiro, danced the waltz behind the goal, adding flair to the festivities. This mirrored a historical moment from 2016, when Internacional player Eduardo Sasha celebrated a goal with a waltz, which has since become an emblematic gesture in the Gre-Nal rivalry. Extending the mockery to social media, Grêmio shared a video portraying Internacional’s mascot, Saci, humorously being struck by arrows, further poking fun at their rivals.

Grêmio’s next challenge in the Copa do Brasil semifinals will be against Atlético-MG, with matches scheduled for November 1 and November 13. Meanwhile, Internacional shifts focus to their Brazilian Championship match against Santos. The victory not only advances Grêmio in the tournament but also intensifies one of Brazil’s fiercest football rivalries through both performance and tradition.

"Carlos Vinícius' brilliance was clear from the start, giving Grêmio the edge with his two goals," reported Band. The match's electrifying atmosphere and on-field dominance underscored Grêmio's readiness for the upcoming semifinal clash.