Kaio Jorge hat-trick completes Cruzeiro comeback at Gremio

Cruzeiro recovered from a 2-1 half-time deficit to defeat Gremio 4-2 at Arena do Grêmio in Serie A’s Regular Season - 31 on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Kaio Jorge scored three times as the visitors overturned Gremio’s early advantage and secured the win.

Kaio Jorge turns the game around

Carlos Vinícius opened the scoring for Gremio from a penalty in the 17th minute, making it 1-0. Cruzeiro equalised in the 23rd minute through Kaio Jorge, assisted by Matheus Pereira, for 1-1. Cristian Pavón restored Gremio’s lead with a normal goal in the 41st minute, leaving the home side 2-1 ahead at half-time.

Kaio Jorge struck again in the 48th minute to make it 2-2. His third goal arrived in the 61st minute, assisted by William, and put Cruzeiro 3-2 ahead. João Marcelo completed the scoring in the 80th minute, with Gerson providing the assist, for the final 4-2 scoreline.

Cruzeiro had more of the ball, but Gremio had more shots

Cruzeiro held 60% possession and completed 439 accurate passes from 515, compared with Gremio’s 258 accurate passes from 330. However, Gremio registered 17 total shots to Cruzeiro’s 13, while both teams had six shots on goal. Gremio’s expected-goals figure was 2.07 against Cruzeiro’s 1.54, making the final scoreline notably different from the chance-quality figures.

Red card adds to Gremio’s setback

Walter Kannemann received a yellow card and then a red card in the 73rd minute. Erick Noriega was booked in the 74th minute, while Cruzeiro had three yellow cards and no red cards.

The post-match standings list Cruzeiro fourth with 51 points from 31 games and Gremio 18th with 31 points from 31 games. Cruzeiro are 20 points ahead of Gremio. Kaio Jorge was the standout performer, earning a 9.3 rating after three goals in 89 minutes.