Brasileirão Série A
RB Bragantino snatch late stoppage-time winner over Gremio in Serie A clash
Gustavo Marques heads home in the 95th minute to secure a dramatic home victory for Bragantino.
In a match that appeared destined for a goalless draw deep into stoppage time, RB Bragantino found a way to break the deadlock at Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques. With the clock ticking toward the final seconds of the Regular Season - 24 fixture, substitute Gustavo Marques rose highest to convert a cross from Gustavo Neves, netting in the 95th minute to hand his side a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over visiting Gremio.
The result leaves both sides with something to ponder as the campaign progresses. For RB Bragantino, the win lifts them to 35 points after 23 matches, sitting seventh in the Serie A table. Gremio, meanwhile, remain mired in the relegation zone following a fourth defeat in their last five outings.
From the outset, neither side managed to carve out a clear-cut opportunity. RB Bragantino operated in their preferred 4-2-3-1 shape under Mancini Vagner, while Gremio stuck rigidly to a 4-1-4-1 system orchestrated by Luis Castro. The hosts threatened more consistently through the middle periods but were repeatedly denied by a resolute visiting backline.
Discipline became an issue for both teams as the game wore on. Juninho Capixaba picked up the first booking for Bragantino in the 25th minute, followed by Gremio’s E. Noriega just before halftime. A second yellow for A. Sant'Anna in the 72nd minute added further tension, and Weverton and Wallace received late cautions for the visitors in the closing stages.
The atmosphere in Bragança Paulista grew increasingly tense as the clock crept past 90 minutes. Referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima kept play moving despite mounting pressure from the home crowd, ultimately pointing to the spot for what proved to be the decisive moment.
While the goal came via a straightforward delivery from Gustavo Neves, it was Marques who showed composure to guide the ball past the advancing Gremio goalkeeper. The strike sparked wild celebrations among the home faithful, who had endured a largely frustrating evening of attacking ineptitude.
This defeat marks another missed opportunity for Gremio, who created few genuine chances throughout the 90 minutes. Their inability to convert possession into meaningful attempts on goal will likely draw criticism from their support base as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
For RB Bragantino, the three points represent a timely boost ahead of the international break. With momentum shifting in their favor, they’ll look to build upon this late heroics in their next outing, while Gremio face the urgent task of halting their slide down the table.