Two heavily rotated sides meet in Bragança Paulista, with both lineups missing nine regulars and thus offering little of the settled rhythm that their league positions imply. Bragantino’s home defence has been reliable, conceding only 1.0 goals per game at this venue, but their r…
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Sign inRB Bragantino host Gremio on 23 August 2026 in a mid-table Serie A clash that carries historical weight for the visitors. Gremio are chasing their first victory at Bragantino in São Paulo since 1990, while both sides are separated by only a few points in the congested Brasileirão standings.
Gremio, under head coach Luís Castro, sit 14th with 25 points from 21 matches, having won two of their last six. Bragantino, led by Vágner Mancini, occupy 7th place on 32 points but are in the midst of a lean spell in front of goal, registering only one strike across their last five outings in all competitions.
Gremio are dealing with a growing list of absentees. The club confirmed that midfielder Dodi sustained a right knee injury and has begun physiotherapy, ruling him out of this trip. He started the previous match against Atlético-MG, and with fellow midfielder Nardoni also in the medical department alongside Gustavo Martins, Castro’s options in the centre of the park are stretched.
Centre-back Walter Kannemann is additionally suspended, while new signing Danilo Barbosa was presented on Thursday but is not yet registered in the CBF’s BID system, having last played in May for Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia. On a positive note, forward Tete is back in training after treatment for hip oedema and could be called up.
Bragantino’s injury concerns are equally significant. Mancini has flagged a long list of unavailable players, including Davi Gomes, Henry Mosquera, Vanderlan, Rodriguinho, Fabrício, Bruninho, and Fernando. The club suffered a narrow Copa Sudamericana first-leg defeat to Atlético-MG just days ago, adding fatigue to their selection considerations.
Bragantino have lost their last two matches across all competitions, conceding a 1-0 cup loss to Atlético-MG and falling by the same scoreline to Athletico Paranaense in the league. A 1-1 draw at Athletico Paranaense on 15 August demonstrated improved defensive organisation, but Mancini’s men have scored just twice in five games. Their home form will be tested by a Gremio side desperate to claim a historic result.
Gremio have not won at Bragantino in a league fixture for over three decades, a streak spanning back to 1990. Their recent form in Serie A saw them beaten 3-0 by Atlético-MG on 16 August, though they had picked up consecutive wins over Mirassol and São Paulo earlier in that run. With key defensive personnel missing and a midfield reshaped by injury, Castro will require a disciplined performance to end the long wait for three points on the road in this fixture.
With Kannemann suspended and Dodi unavailable to shield the backline, Gremio’s rearguard will be under scrutiny. Bragantino’s attackers, though short of goals recently, will recognise an opportunity to exploit unfamiliar partnerships in the visiting defence. The midfield duel, where Gremio’s diminished depth will be tested, could define whether the away side can relieve pressure or whether Bragantino find the space to convert their possession into chances.
A victory for either side would provide valuable breathing room in the congested middle of the Serie A table. For Gremio, breaking a 36-year hoodoo would offer more than three points — it would deliver a statement of resilience amid a difficult selection period.
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