Gremio lets top spot slip in draw with Estudiantes
Gremio had already quaified for the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores, but a late Estudiantes equaliser deined the Brazilian side top spot in Group C as it finished the stage with a 1-1 draw in Curitiba.
Gremio went ahead through Franco Cristaldo just after the break, but was incredibly fortunate not to have conceded a penalty in a goalless first half.
Javier Correa had jinked his way into a shooting position inside the Gremio box in the seventh minute, and appeared to have been clearly tripped, but the on-field decision was no penalty, and despite checking, VAR saw no reason for the referee to reconsider his decision.
Cristalod's opener came after Diego Costa had provided the assist via a nutmeg, but it would not be enough to deny Estudiantes, which had nothing but pride to play for.
Mauro Mendez powered home a header from a corner in the 83rd minute to level the scores, and that's how it stayed to the final whistle, meaning Gremio remained in second behind Group C winner The Strongest ahead of the Round of 16, where Gremio will now face Fluminese.
