Overview

• After conceding two penalties against Internacional, the Peruvian defender left the pitch in tears and was consoled by teammates.
• Grêmio posted a message on its social channels calling Noriega a fighter and stating the Tricolor fan base stands with him.
• The club released a locker-room video of Mano Menezes praising Noriega’s second-half response, drawing applause that moved the player to tears.
• Menezes later questioned the first penalty call while affirming satisfaction with the team’s performance, including Noriega’s contribution in the comeback win.
• Former Peru international José ‘Puma’ Carranza argued Noriega should be used as a centre-back rather than a defensive midfielder, fueling a wider tactical debate.