However, they were defeated 6–2 on aggregate to their biggest rival, Internacional, as a result of their weakened squad due to players missing that were competing simultaneously in the Copa Libertadores.

In the Copa Libertadores, Grêmio qualified for the round of 16 with the second best overall record amongst all 32 teams, although they still finished second in the second phase of the perceived "group of death".

In the last 16 the club's opponents were San Lorenzo, and, with injuries to three of their main players (Luan, Wendell and Rhodolfo), Grêmio was eliminated in a penalty shoot-out.

During the break, the club strengthened by bringing in four new players for the return sequence of the season, with the main names being Giuliano and Fernandinho.

On 27 July, following a 2–3 home loss to Coritiba, the Grêmio board of directors decided to part ways with head coach Moreira.

Two days later, Grêmio announced Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had managed the Brazil national team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as new head coach.

He made his coaching debut for the club against rivals Internacional in the fourteenth fixture of the Série A, which ended in a 0–2 away loss.

A new feature was presented in training kits, with yellow gaining ground with the traditional blue, in homage to Brazil, which hosts in the second time of the history the FIFA World Cup.