The 83rd season of the Campeonato Gaúcho kicked off on February 1, 2003, and ended on July 3, 2003. Eighteen teams participated. Holders Internacional beat 15 de Novembro in the finals, winning their 35th title. São Luiz and Palmeirense were relegated.
Participating teams
Club Home location Previous season 15 de Novembro Campo Bom Caxias Caxias do Sul Esportivo Bento Gonçalves Glória Vacaria Grêmio Porto Alegre Guarani Venâncio Aires Internacional Porto Alegre Juventude Caxias do Sul Palmeirense Palmeira das Missões Passo Fundo Passo Fundo Pelotas Pelotas São Gabriel São Gabriel São José Cachoeira do Sul São José Porto Alegre São Luiz Ijuí Santa Cruz Santa Cruz do Sul Santo Ângelo Santo Ângelo Veranópolis Veranópolis
System The championship would have four stages:
Group A: The four teams in the Série A and Série B (Internacional, Grêmio, Caxias and Juventude) played each other in a double round-robin system; the two best teams qualified into the Semifinals. Group B: The fourteen teams that didn't participate in the Série A or Série B played against each other in a double round-robin system. After 26 rounds, the two best teams qualified to the Semifinals and the bottom two teams were relegated. Semifinals: The four remaining teams played in a two matches to define the teams that would qualify to the Finals. In case of ties, group leaders would advance. Finals: Semifinals winners played in two matches to define the Champions. The team with best overall record played the second leg at home.
Championship Group A
Group B
Semifinals
Finals
References