Grêmio just etched their name deeper into Copa do Brasil history this week, roaring past rivals Internacional with a 3-1 victory! That win wasn’t just sweet revenge, it punched their ticket to their 16th Copa do Brasil semifinal ever.
The Semifinal Kings (Almost)
Sixteen times. Let that sink in for a second. Grêmio now stands shoulder to shoulder with Flamengo, who also boasts 16 semifinal appearances in the tournament that kicked off way back in 1989. Talk about consistency! This is a massive achievement, showing decades of top-tier performance. Flamengo’s journey to 16 semifinals has been a long one, stretching from 1989 all the way to 2024. Grêmio’s run, which started the same year, includes a recent stretch of appearances in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, and now 2026. This isn’t just a fluke year for them, this is a clear pattern of success.
The other clubs aren’t even close to that level of sustained excellence. Vasco just hit their third straight semifinal, reaching 11 total. Palmeiras is making their 10th appearance, with their last semifinal trip being in their 2020 title year. And Atlético-MG, champions in 2014 and 2021, are now on their seventh semifinal appearance. Those are great numbers, sure, but they pale next to 16.
Built for the Long Haul
It’s not just about total appearances, it’s about staying power. Grêmio proves they are built for the long haul, too. They hold the record for most consecutive Copa do Brasil semifinals with an incredible five straight trips between 1993 and 1997. Five years in a row at that stage? Unbelievable!
Other clubs have shown flashes of that kind of sustained run, but nobody has matched Grêmio’s record. Flamengo had four straight from 2021 to 2024. Corinthians also put together four consecutive runs from 2022 to 2025. Cruzeiro managed four from 2016 to 2019, and Palmeiras had four from 1996 to 1999. Vasco is currently on a strong three-year run, making the semifinals in 2024, 2025, and now 2026. But that Grêmio five-year streak really stands out.
So, what’s next for these semifinal legends? Grêmio is set to clash with Atlético-MG, who just knocked out Cruzeiro. On the other side of the bracket, Palmeiras, who beat Santos, will face Vasco, who eliminated Vitória. These upcoming matches aren’t just games, they are a chance to make even more history. Can Grêmio break the record and move past Flamengo this year? We are all waiting to see if they can punch their ticket to the final!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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