In an intense Serie A encounter, Gremio FB Porto Alegrense edged out Fortaleza CE with a narrow 2-1 victory. The match was decided early on, with Gremio seizing the lead through two rapid goals within the first 17 minutes. Fortaleza managed a response shortly after, but was unable to level the score again. These early goals by Gremio set the dominant tempo for the match, showcasing their efficiency in converting chances.

Defensively, Gremio demonstrated resilience, especially in dealing with set-pieces given Fortaleza's six corner attempts. Fortaleza, despite their advantage in corner kicks, couldn't capitalize on these opportunities effectively. This was partly due to Gremio’s disciplined defensive line and Fortaleza's lack of precision in the final third. The contrast in the teams' ability to exploit set-pieces was evident and ultimately influenced the match outcome.

Disciplinary factors heavily affected the flow of the game, particularly for Fortaleza, who accumulated five yellow cards. The frequency and timing of these cards, including three in the first half, disrupted their gameplay and put them at constant risk of further penalties. Gremio, though committing 16 fouls, managed to maintain better discipline overall. The psychological and tactical burden of potential send-offs likely hindered Fortaleza's fluidity and attacking options.

Overall, Gremio's early attacking prowess and composure in high-stress situations, combined with Fortaleza's inability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities and their greater disciplinary issues, were the defining elements of this match. The effective defensive mechanisms and clinical finishing by Gremio further underscore why they were able to secure the victory despite being marginally outnumbered in terms of corner opportunities and fouls committed.

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