Gremio took a huge step towards the Copa Libertadores final after a 1-0 win over River Plate in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
A second-half header from Michel saw the Brazilian outfit edge to victory in the first leg of the semi-final at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti.
Defending champions Gremio held the hosts at bay for much of the contest, leaving three-time winners River with work to do in the second leg in a week's time.
Without Everton Soares (thigh) and Luan (foot), Gremio managed to frustrate the hosts throughout the first half.
River were reduced mostly to efforts from distance as Gremio held firm throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Renato Gaucho's men took the lead and grabbed a crucial away goal just after the hour-mark, Michel heading in an Alisson corner at the near post.
La secuencia del gol de ante en el MonumentalOctober 24, 2018
River continued to push but they struggled to create much of note, Gremio seeing out a narrow away win.
‘Newcastle’s board said I was over the hill, so I left and played 108 consecutive games and won the European Cup – not a bad way to answer that accusation!’: Ex-Magpies defender reflects on career highlight after proving former side wrong
‘Parma viewed him as the perfect replacement for Adrian Mutu, who’d left to sign for Chelsea. But Manchester United’s interest was much more concrete’: Cristiano Ronaldo's 2003 transfer details revealed by former Sporting director of football
