Without an audience, Inter beats Avenida in their debut at Gauchão

Wanderson scored the only goal of the match in Beira Rio

Fulfilling a punishment from last year, Internacional debuted without fans in Beira-Rio. But he didn’t disappoint the fans this Sunday, in his debut in the Campeonato Gaúcho. The team led by coach Eduardo Coudet beat Avenida 1-0, in the first round of the State Championship.

Counting on new players, such as goalkeeper Ivan, defender Robert Renan, midfielder Hyoran and striker Alario, the only goal of the match came from a play by Renê, who ended up with an assist from Enner Valencia for Wanderson’s goal.

Coudet’s team, with its first three points, shares the leadership of the table with Caxias and Juventude. Caxias appears ahead as it has an advantage on goal difference. Avenida starts the State Championship in second place, in 11th place.

With four reinforcements on the field, Inter suffered from the interaction, mainly between Alario and Enner Valencia. Despite having more possession of the ball, the home team could barely finish on goal and pose a threat to the opposing goalkeeper. When he had the chance inside the area, Alario lacked skill when it came to dominating.

Unlike Avenida. Betting on the counterattack, the visiting team defended itself well and had more shots on goal, mainly with Carlos Henrique and Bruno Camilo, who forced Ivan to intervene. In the final stretch of the first half, Inter exchanged passes in the middle, but continued without creating a chance to score.

In the second stage, Avenida came back looser. Felipe Cruz hit the post, but was in an irregular position, then Anthoni, who replaced Ivan at half-time, saved Robert Renan from scoring an own goal. The move seemed to wake up the home team, who began to create chances, both from the top and with shots from outside the area.

Creating offensive volume, Wanderson opened the scoring for the home team. Renê raised the ball in the area, Enner Valencia headed it, and the number 11 appeared at the second post and headed the ball into the net, in the 24th minute. With the advantage on the scoreboard, Coudet changed the team to give rhythm to the squad. Prioritizing possession of the ball, Inter maintained the advantage on the scoreboard until the final whistle.

For the second round, Inter will visit São Luiz, in Ijuí, at 7pm, next Wednesday. Later, at 8pm, Avenida will play at home, at Eucaliptos, against Brasil de Pelotas.