2011 Campeonato Gaúcho


The 2011 Campeonato da Primeira Divisão de Futebol Profissional da FGF, better known as the 2011 Campeonato Gaúcho or Gaúcho, was the 91st edition of the top-flight football league of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The season began on 16 January and ended on 15 May. Internacional successfully defended in the final its 2010 title.

Format

The sixteen clubs were divided into two groups that would contest in only two matches to determine which four teams from each group would qualify to the play-offs. The first stage called Taça Piratini 2012 had each team from one group play only one club in the other group. In the second stage, called Taça Farroupilha 2012 each club within each group played one match against a club in the group. The two lowest ranked teams in the overall standings were relegated (Internacional (SM) and Porto Alegre.

Teams

ClubHome cityPosition in 2010
CaxiasCaxias do Sul
Cruzeiro (RS)Porto Alegre
GrêmioPorto Alegre
InternacionalPorto Alegre
Internacional (SM)Santa Maria
JuventudeCaxias do Sul
LajeadenseLajeado
Novo HamburgoNovo Hamburgo
PelotasPelotas
Porto AlegrePorto Alegre
Santa Cruz (RS)Santa Cruz do Sul
São JoséPorto Alegre
São LuizIjuí
Canoas1Canoas
VeranópolisVeranópolis
YpirangaErechim

1Universidade Sport Club was renamed to Canoas Sport Club on 26 November 2010.

Tournament Finals

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''After 5-5 on aggregate goals, Internacional is champion by winning 5-4 on penalties.''

Overall table

The overall table considers only the matches played during the first stage of both Taças and will define the two teams that will be relegated to play lower levels in 2012.The Taça Champions are placed on the top of the table. The best placed team not playing in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, B or C will be "promoted" to 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro Série D. The best two teams not qualified to 2012 Copa Libertadores will qualify for 2012 Copa do Brasil. The final round game between Internacional-SM and Porto Alegre was cancelled after the relegation of both teams.