Ex-Barcelona star misses sitter in Sudamericana clash
Former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite missed a wide-open chance from point-blank range for Gremio, blasting a deflected effort into the post during a frantic CONMEBOL Sudamericana play-off second leg. Bolivar won 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate, with three red cards and Dairon Asprilla's finish sealing Gremio's exit.
Key Takeaways
- Ex-Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite smashed a wide-open chance into the post for Gremio.
- Bolivar beat Gremio 1-0 in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana play-off second leg and advanced 4-2 on aggregate.
- Dairon Asprilla's finish sealed the result for the Bolivian side.
- Three red cards were shown in a frantic second half as Gremio crashed out of the tournament.
What happened when Braithwaite faced the open goal?
In the wild closing stages of the play-off return leg, the former Barcelona striker was left with a clear look from directly in front of goal. Instead of finishing, Braithwaite thundered a deflected strike into the post, turning a clear chance into the defining blunder of the night.
The moment, captured and circulated by beIN SPORTS, stood out even on a night already packed with drama. For readers who follow our Bizarre World coverage, it was elite talent colliding with an unforgettable miss.
How did Bolivar eliminate Gremio from the CONMEBOL Sudamericana?
Bolivar won the second leg 1-0, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory over the Brazilian club. That scoreline ended Gremio's run and sent the Bolivian side through in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana.
Dairon Asprilla provided the classy finish that settled the tie on the night. His goal, plus the aggregate cushion, left Gremio chasing a comeback that never arrived—especially once Braithwaite's late chance came back off the woodwork.
Why were three red cards part of such a wild clash?
Officials dished out three red cards during a frantic second half. The dismissals poured fuel on an already chaotic contest as Gremio pushed to overturn the aggregate deficit and Bolivar tried to close the game out.
Between the sendings-off, Asprilla's strike, and Braithwaite's sitter, the play-off became one of the more unhinged evenings of this CONMEBOL Sudamericana round. The tournament's play-off window also featured other high-interest ties, including Chile's O'Higgins hosting Argentina's Boca Juniors in Rancagua on July 30, 2026.
Who is Martin Braithwaite and why does this miss matter?
Martin Christensen Braithwaite is a former Barcelona striker now with Gremio. Players with that pedigree are expected to bury chances from point-blank range, which is why the miss resonated across South American football circles.
For Gremio, the night ended in elimination and frustration. For Bolivar, Asprilla's goal and the 4-2 aggregate margin were enough to advance, even as the closing stages produced a miss football fans will keep replaying.