The accumulation of games and the trip to Alagoas, where Inter debuted in the Copa do Brasil, requires a rest for the starters. Therefore, Inter must be represented by a team practically entirely made up of substitutes in the match against Juventude, this Saturday, at Alfredo Jaconi. Not even coach Eduardo Coudet, punished by the TJD, will be at the edge of the pitch. The commitment ends the qualifying phase of the Campeonato Gaúcho for both teams, both of which have already qualified for the next phase.
The challenge of the team that Eduardo Coudet will choose for the game is to maintain Inter’s good form this season. The victory over ASA last Wednesday 2-0 in Alagoas was the seventh in a row. Of the 11 matches played in 2024, Inter won nine, drew one and lost just one, precisely when they played with reserves, against Guarany, in Bagé, still in the fourth round of the Gauchão.
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However, if on the one hand, the departure of important players can weaken the team, on the other hand, it represents an opportunity for newcomers. Bruno Gomes and Wesley, for example, need to “gain minutes”, as Coudet likes to say, and get used to the scheme. The midfielder is considered a replacement for Aránguiz due to his marking characteristics and good ball release. The attacker, in turn, will compete for position with Wanderson. He has already played in some matches and shown that he is at the level of the current starter.
However, the game is important for other reasons. Despite having secured first place in the qualifying phase with the victory at Gre-Nal, last Sunday, the Colorado team has not yet fully secured the prerogative of playing the second game of a possible final at home (if they reach it). After all, the points from the following phases (fourth and semifinal) count in the overall total and, therefore, the Colorados would still be within Grêmio’s reach. Therefore, adding points is still important for Inter.
Coach Roger Machado’s Juventude is also guaranteed in the quarterfinals, but needs to win for the same reason: to gain points to enjoy advantages in the next stages.
Gauchão 2024 – 11th round
Youth
Lucas Wingert; João Lucas, Zé Marcos, Alan Ruschel and Oyama; Jadson, Mandaca, Jean Carlos and Lucas Barbosa; Erick Farias and Gilberto. Coach: Roger Machado
Inter
Anthony; Hugo Mallo, Igor Gomes, Robert Renan; Romulus, Bruno Gomes, Hyoran and Gustavo Prado; Wesley and Lucca. Technician: Edward Coudet
Referee: Daniel Nobre Bins
Date and time: March 2, Saturday, at 4:30 pm.
Local: Alfredo Jaconi stadium