SANTOS, Brazil — Lautaro Díaz’s dramatic 89th-minute strike salvaged a crucial point for Santos in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Grêmio at the Estádio Urbano Caldeira, a result that leaves both sides teetering at key junctures in their Brazilian Serie A campaigns.

The match was thick with tension as both clubs sought to end their recent winless runs. A cagey first half saw bursts of control from Santos, with the home side carving out early chances via corners and speculative shots—the best of which saw Díaz firing narrowly wide after a sharp move down the right. Grêmio, missing a raft of regular starters due to injury, rode out Santos’s early pressure with disciplined defending, marshaled ably by Wagner Leonardo and Gustavo Martins.

After the break, the game sprang to life. In the 56th minute, Grêmio’s veteran midfielder Edenilson pounced on a clever through-ball from Cristian Pavón, driving his low shot beyond Gabriel Brazão to silence the Vila Belmiro faithful and give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal capped a swift counterattack, emblematic of Grêmio’s threat in transition and their growing influence as the match wore on.

Santos refused to buckle. Manager Diego Aguirre’s substitutions injected energy, with Robinho Junior and Riquelme Freitas offering renewed width and impetus in attack. The hosts pressed high, winning a succession of late set-pieces as Grêmio retreated into their own half. The equalizer arrived just as the clock seemed to be against Santos: a hopeful cross ricocheted through the box, and Lautaro Díaz, sharpest to react, smashed the ball past Grando to level the scores in the dying moments.

The final whistle closed a contest marked by urgency but also frustration, as both sides had phases of dominance but failed to capitalize on clear chances. The draw keeps Grêmio in the hunt for a Copa Libertadores place, while Santos—still missing stars like Neymar and Gabriel Bontempo to injury—cling to their mid-table standing, painfully aware that missed opportunities continue to hamper their season ambitions.

For full highlights and key moments—including Edenilson’s opener and Díaz’s late rescue—see the official game recap on YouTube.