Brazilian football is often celebrated for its attacking flair and vibrant play, yet for Grêmio, a club with a rich history and a reputation for solid performances, recent outings have painted a starkly different picture. The team`s defensive resilience has come under intense scrutiny following a series of away matches that have illuminated an alarming statistical anomaly: an unprecedented rate of shots conceded. This isn`t just a minor blip; it`s a trend that warrants a serious examination, pushing the boundaries of what might be considered “normal” in modern football.
The Unsettling Road Trip: A Flood of Opposition Chances
In their last three consecutive away fixtures, Grêmio`s goal has resembled a firing range for opposition forwards. Across matches against Cruzeiro, Alianza Lima, and Vasco da Gama, the Tricolor Gaúcho collectively faced a staggering 71 shots. That`s an average of 23.6 attempts on their goal per game – a figure that would give any coach pause.
The breakdown of this defensive capitulation offers further insight:
- Cruzeiro (4-1 defeat): Grêmio endured 17 shots, with 9 of those hitting the target. A clear indicator of a challenging afternoon at Mineirão.
- Alianza Lima (2-0 defeat in Copa Sudamericana): In Peru, the pressure intensified as Alianza Lima unleashed 23 shots, with 8 on target, complicating Grêmio`s continental aspirations.
- Vasco da Gama (1-1 draw): The climax of this defensive ordeal occurred at São Januário. Vasco registered an incredible 31 shots against Grêmio, 7 of which were on target. This number wasn`t just high; it set a new record for Vasco da Gama in a single Campeonato Brasileiro match since detailed statistical tracking began.
The Coach`s Rebuttal: A Question of Quality vs. Quantity?
When confronted with the eye-watering statistic of 31 shots conceded against Vasco, Grêmio`s coach, Mano Menezes, offered a perspective that some might call… pragmatic. His focus was pointedly on the number of shots that actually threatened the goalkeeper.
“How many on target? I can keep shooting ten meters from the goal… Seven on target? Seven is fine. The home team had seven shots on goal. That`s a normal average for any football team. It changes a lot. We have to be a bit careful with that. Separate things well. See what is quality, what is the opponent`s merit, what is our deficiency. Let`s take it easy.”
While Coach Menezes raises a valid point about distinguishing between speculative efforts and genuine threats, dismissing the sheer volume of attempts could be seen as an optimistic, perhaps even ironic, interpretation of events. Seven shots on target might be “normal” in isolation, but when it arises from a deluge of 31 total shots, it implies a defense that is consistently being breached, albeit with varying degrees of accuracy from the opposition. The concern isn`t just the final shot, but the ease with which opponents are reaching dangerous positions to take them.
Grêmio`s League Standing: Leading from the Rear
The trend extends beyond these three matches. With 31 shots against Vasco, Grêmio solidified their unenviable position as the team that has conceded the most shots in the entire Campeonato Brasileiro season so far. Over 14 games, they have faced a grand total of 215 shots, averaging 15.4 per match.
To put this into perspective, Grêmio`s defensive fragility currently surpasses that of teams languishing in the relegation zone, such as Vitória (212 shots conceded) and Juventude (208 shots conceded). This statistical leadership in defensive vulnerability is a stark contrast to Grêmio`s traditional standing in Brazilian football, raising legitimate questions about their tactical setup, defensive organization, and overall stability.
The Road Ahead: Tactical Adjustments or Lingering Concerns?
Grêmio`s recent defensive record presents a significant challenge for the coaching staff. While a single stat can be debated, a consistent pattern of allowing opponents a multitude of opportunities indicates deeper systemic issues. Whether it`s a matter of midfield screen, defensive line positioning, pressing intensity, or individual form, the numbers speak volumes.
For a team with ambitions in both the domestic league and continental competitions, shoring up the defense will be paramount. Relying on opponents` inaccuracy is a precarious strategy. The Grêmio faithful, known for their demanding standards, will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if tactical adjustments can transform these alarming statistics into a more reassuring defensive solidity. The beautiful game, after all, is not just about scoring goals, but preventing them – a lesson Grêmio seems to be relearning the hard way.
