Despite playing with a string of youngsters, Grêmio took on Colombian side La Equidad and managed to earn a point to end their Copa Sudamericana group stage campaign on a good note. The result saw them finish as the best side in the group stage campaign.
Even with a two-advantage, Tricolor could not capitalize against their hosts.
After getting a penalty after the hour mark, Guilherme Azevedo got the chance to put Grêmio ahead but saw his effort stopped by the opposition goalkeeper. Tricolor dominated possession slightly but they were not exactly clinical upfront. For emphasis, they had nine total attempts on the evening but could only manage one shot on goal. Regardless, they maintained their unbeaten run in the competition and that was good enough at least.
Finishing as the best side in the group stage campaign means Grêmio can decide their next fixture at home. Only the final would be one game and all others would be home and away fixtures up until then. The round of 16 draws will be made next Tuesday and then Tricolor would know their fate.
Grêmio can meet any of the eight third-placed sides and they include: Sporting Cristal, Independiente Del Valle, Junior Barranquilla, Deportivo Táchira Nacional-URU, America de Cali, LDU and fellow Brazilian side Santos.
With the result, Grêmio moved up to 16 points and their group stage campaign ends with five victories and a draw. The competition will only resume in July after the conclusion of the Copa America. Elsewhere, La Equidad could only finish group H in third place and bow out of the competition.
