Top Teams
When discussing the Campeonato Gaúcho, the spotlight inevitably shines on the two top teams: Grêmio and Internacional. Both clubs are based in Porto Alegre, the bustling capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Their rivalry, known as Grenal, is one of the most passionate and intense in Brazilian football.
Sport Club Internacional is a prominent name in Brazilian football, known for its rich history and impressive achievements. Founded on April 4, 1909, Internacional has established itself as a powerhouse in both national and international arenas. The club’s colors—red and white—are a source of pride for its fans, who are often referred to as “colorados.”
Internacional boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including the FIFA Club World Cup in 2006 and two Copa Libertadores titles in 2006 and 2010. They have also claimed the Sudamericana Cup and the Recopa Sudamericana twice each. Domestically, Internacional has won the Campeonato Gaúcho a record 45 times and holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the competition. The club’s home, the Beira-Rio stadium, is an iconic venue with a capacity of over 50,000, embodying the club’s status and history.
On the other side of the Grenal rivalry is Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, another giant in Brazilian football. Founded on September 15, 1903, Grêmio has also left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for their blue, black, and white colors, Grêmio plays their home games at the Grêmio Arena, which can accommodate 60,540 fans.
Grêmio’s success is highlighted by their three Copa Libertadores victories and their achievements on the global stage, including their win in the Intercontinental Cup in 1983. The club is also a two-time Recopa Sudamericana champion. Domestically, Grêmio has won the Brazilian Serie A twice and the Campeonato Gaúcho 43 times, among other titles. Their success and consistent performance make them a formidable rival and a symbol of football excellence in Brazil.
Both Internacional and Grêmio have shaped the landscape of Brazilian football, and their rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the Campeonato Gaúcho. Each team’s rich history and continued success make them cornerstones of the sport in Brazil.
Standings
The Campeonato Gaúcho 2024 standings, available on the competition’s official page, reflect the current positions of each team, with the leader at the top. Updated after every matchday, the standings indicate how teams are performing and accumulating points. The team with the highest points at season’s end is crowned the champion, while the standings also reveal how many teams will face relegation to a lower division.
At the top of the standings, Internacional is leading with 28 points, showing a strong performance throughout the season. Society follows in second place with 23 points, maintaining a solid challenge for the top spot. The battle for third is tight, with both Caxias do Sul and Guarany de Bagé tied at 16 points. Youth rounds out the top five with 15 points, keeping the competition fierce.
On the individual front, Christian Diego Costa stands out as the leading goal scorer with 6 goals. Michel Gilberto is close behind with 5 goals. Meanwhile, Tomas Bastos, Zé Vitor, Enner Valencia, and Lucas Barbosa each have 4 goals, highlighting their significant contributions to their teams’ efforts.
Competition Format, Schedule, and Results
The Campeonato Gaúcho 2024, held from January to April, follows a straightforward competition format with twelve teams battling it out. Each team faces every other team in a round-robin setup, making for an exciting and balanced schedule. While the Sul Football Federation announces exact match dates and times, the general structure remains consistent.
As the league progresses, the top four teams advance to the semifinals, where they compete for a spot in the final. The winners of the semifinals face off in the championship match to determine the state champion.
This year’s final saw Grêmio clinch their 43rd state title on April 6, defeating Juventude 3-1 at the Arena. Despite Juventude’s early lead with a goal from Gilberto, Grêmio turned the match around with goals from Cristaldo and Diego Costa in the first half, and Nathan Fernandes sealed the victory in the second half. This win marks Grêmio’s seventh consecutive Gaucho championship, a feat not achieved since the 1960s, and puts them just two titles behind Internacional, the state’s record holder. Grêmio now has the chance to pursue an unprecedented eighth title in 2025, a milestone previously reached only by Internacional in the 1970s.
