Grêmio vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Grêmio is the favorite at home, even when it isn't doing well

Both teams have seen better days in this Brasileirão. Cruzeiro hasn't won for six games, and Grêmio, who was once in second place, is now fifth in the table. Grêmio de Porto Alegre has only won two of its last ten matches, counting Copa do Brasil fixtures. Both wins came at home, where the Gaúchos, with the support of their home crowd, are strong. Away from home, the results are worrying. In the last three league trips, the Immortal has played against teams at the bottom of the standings and only managed a point against Goiás, which was snatched away in the last minute. The defeats came against Vasco da Gama and Santos, two historic clubs in the relegation zone. With Cruzeiro also needing a win, Grêmio at home must be considered the favorite, even if not at its best. Only leader Botafogo has managed to win at the Grêmio Arena in the league.

The strange goal conceded in the last minute at the Vila Belmiro against Santos was very painful. With the score at 1-1, Grêmio was trying to win through a corner kick. The Santos defense cleared the ball from their area towards the sideline, but the ball took on an unusual effect and didn't leave the field of play. The Gaúchos players turned their backs on the play, thinking the ball was going out. The Santos players didn't give up on the shot and exploited the ball that hadn't come out to go unopposed towards the Tricolor net and score the winning goal. Coach Renato Portaluppi was certainly furious with his players, who will have to show a different attitude in future matches. This embarrassing move could stir up the players' pride and cause a positive reaction.

The Fox also conceded a late goal in the 98th minute of the match with Corinthians, letting slip a victory it has been chasing for some time. Football is sometimes cruel, so it was once again at the Mineirão. Cruzeiro completely dominated the match without the Paulistas putting up much of a fight, and just as we were waiting for the referee's final whistle, the equalizer came, leaving the Mineiros' coach in disbelief at what had just happened. Corinthians was harmless all match until the last play of the night. The Raposa is starting to feel the pressure of winning and now has a tricky challenge. Cruzeiro has only lost twice away from home, so it is always a team capable of getting a good result.

Football has a strong psychological component. A confident team can win impossible games, and a team in a bad run will struggle to turn things around. The cruelty of the goal conceded by Cruzeiro may have a more negative effect on the team than the joke goal conceded by Grêmio. While the Miners may feel helpless, the Gaúchos should feel they lost through their own fault and that it's up to them to react. The coaches during the week certainly tried to motivate the players after the events of the last round. I'm taking a Double Chance on Grêmio and Total Goals of less than 3.5.