Grêmio beats Atlético-MG 2-0 in Copa do Brasil semi-final first leg

Grêmio beat Atlético-MG 2-0 in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil semi-final in Porto Alegre.

Carlos Vinícius scored in the first half, and Erick Noriega added a second goal late in the match.

The win gives Grêmio an advantage before the teams meet again on November 7 in Belo Horizonte.

Grêmio also finished with 10 players after Gustavo Martins was sent off late in the game.

The tie matters beyond the cup, because Grêmio are also close to the Brazilian league relegation zone and need to stay in the top division to keep a place in next year's Copa Libertadores if they reach the cup final.

Atlético-MG are in a stronger league position and are also due to play Boca Juniors in the Copa Sudamericana final.

The winner advances to the Copa do Brasil final to face Palmeiras or Vasco; the final is scheduled for December 6 in Brasília.