In a thrilling encounter at Beira-Rio, Internacional took control and left no mercy for RB Bragantino, sealing a 3-1 victory in the 38th round of the Brasileirao. The deadlock was broken shortly after the halftime break when Gabriel Mercado scored a brilliant header just 4 minutes into the second half. Following that, Alan Patrick converted a penalty in the 77th minute, and Johan Carbonero added another goal in the 80th minute, effectively securing the match for Internacional. RB Bragantino managed to pull one back with a goal from Jhon Jhon in the dying minutes, but it was too little, too late.
Gabriel Mercado’s goal ignited the spirits of Internacional. After receiving an assist from Vitão, Mercado leveled the atmosphere with his head, placing the ball perfectly into the net beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Before the breakthrough, Internacional came close to scoring in the first half when Bruno Gomes’ shot rattled the post, keeping them eager for celebration.
Coach Abel Braga deployed his team in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Sergio Rochet as goalkeeper, with Braian Aguirre, Vitão, Gabriel Mercado, and Alexandro Bernabei in defense. The midfield comprised Alan Patrick, Alan Rodríguez, Bruno Gomes, and Thiago Maia, while Rafael Santos Borré and Vitinho formed the attack.
On the other side, RB Bragantino, under Vágner Carmo Mancini, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Cleiton in goal, supported defensively by Nathan Mendes, Alix Vinicius, Gustavo Marques, and Juninho Capixaba. Their midfield included Gabriel, Jhon Jhon, and Gustavo Neves, with Eduardo Sasha, Isidro Pitta, and Lucas Barbosa leading the frontline.
The match was officiated by referee Davi Lacerda.
With this win, Internacional now has a total of 44 points, positioning themselves 16th in the standings, whereas RB Bragantino remains on 48 points, sitting in 10th place.
Substitutions for Internacional
45’ 2T – Vitinho out for Johan Carbonero; Rafael Santos Borré out for Ricardo Mathias
88’ 2T – Alan Patrick out for Richard; Alexandro Bernabei out for Juninho
95’ 2T – Bruno Henrique out
Yellow Cards for Internacional:
18’ 1T – Alan Patrick (Unsportsmanlike conduct); 39’ 2T – Alan Rodríguez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for RB Bragantino
62’ 2T – Eduardo Sasha out for Vinicinho
73’ 2T – Lucas Barbosa out for Fernando; Gabriel out for Eric Ramires
85’ 2T – Gustavo Neves out for Matheus Fernandes; Nathan Mendes out for José Hurtado
Yellow Cards for RB Bragantino:
35’ 1T – Eduardo Sasha (Unsportsmanlike conduct); 37’ 1T – Jhon Jhon (Unsportsmanlike conduct); 47’ 1T – Isidro Pitta (Unsportsmanlike conduct); 6’ 2T – Cleiton (Dissent against the referee); 49’ 2T – Juninho Capixaba (Unsportsmanlike conduct)