Grêmio and Palmeiras Take Advantageous Leads in Copa do Brasil Semifinals

The first leg of the 2026 Copa do Brasil semifinals delivered key victories for Grêmio and Palmeiras, putting both teams in favorable positions as they head into the decisive second legs.

At the Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre, Grêmio secured a 2-0 victory over Atlético-MG. Carlos Vinícius opened scoring early at the 10-minute mark, capitalizing on a long ball from goalkeeper Weverton. Shortly after halftime, Noriega doubled the lead with a swift strike following buildup play involving Enamorado and João Pedro. Grêmio controlled the game defensively after the goals despite losing defender Gustavo Martins to a red card late in the match. Atlético-MG struggled throughout, marking their fourth consecutive loss under coach Eduardo Domínguez. Grêmio now can advance to the final even with a one-goal loss in the return match on November 7 in Belo Horizonte, while Atlético-MG must win by at least three goals to progress.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras edged Vasco 1-0 at Nubank Parque in São Paulo, with Maurício scoring in the 23rd minute following a well-executed sequence by Arias and Marlon Freitas. This result means Palmeiras can qualify for the final with a draw in the second leg, scheduled for November 8 at São Januário. Vasco must secure an outright win to continue, with a one-goal victory leading to penalties. The match featured notable controversies, including a denied penalty claim when a ball struck Alexander Barboza’s arm and the sending off of defender Alan Saldivia after a second yellow card. Vasco’s football director, Admar Lopes, publicly criticized referee Anderson Daronco’s performance as "shameful," highlighting the critical missed calls and calling for greater officiating standards from the CBF.

With these results, the second legs promise tense clashes as Grêmio and Palmeiras hold slender yet significant advantages toward reaching the Copa do Brasil final.