The 2026 Brasileirão matchweek one delivered plenty of excitement and drama as the season got underway in midweek, earlier than the usual April start.
From late equalisers and momentum swings to statement victories and surprise results, matchweek one provided an immediate reminder of why Brazil’s top flight remains one of the most entertaining leagues in world football.
Atletico Mineiro v Palmeiras
What could be described as a vice-Recopa Sudamericana clash took place. Copa Sudamericana losing finalists Atletico Mineiro hosted beaten Copa Libertadores finalists Palmeiras in a thrilling opening-round matchup.
It was the visitors who struck first through Flaco Lopez. However, Victor Hugo levelled matters with a fine strike just before the half-time interval.
Seventeen minutes from time, Galo regained the lead via a Khellven own goal after a lovely delivery from substitute Gustavo Scarpa. However, some sloppy defending from Atletico failed to deal with a long ball. This allowed Vitor Roque to pounce and rescue a point for Palmeiras on the road.
Sao Paulo v Flamengo
After a far from ideal start to their Carioca campaign – albeit without their full-strength squad – the defending champions knew they needed to begin the defence of their Brasileirao crown on the front foot.
They did just that when Gonzalo Plata gave the Rubro Negro the lead nine minutes into the second half. However, a strong fightback from the hosts saw Luciano fire Sao Paulo level. New signing Danielzinho, who recently arrived from Mirassol, then capitalised on an error from Erick Pulgar to give Sao Paulo all three points.
Things went from bad to worse for Flamengo, as Giorgian de Arrascaeta missed a glorious chance to equalise. Soon after, Jorginho was shown a red card for venting his frustrations at referee Wilton Sampaio.
Chapecoense v Santos
One of the games of the week saw newly promoted Chapecoense take on Santos. It was Chape’s first top-tier match since 2021.
The hosts were handed an early chance to take the lead when Italo was brought down inside the box by Gabriel Brazao inside the opening stages. Paraguayan midfielder Walter Clar made no mistake from the spot to fire Chapecoense 1-0 ahead.
Santos created several efforts, but were unable to find a breakthrough. That was until a wonderful cut inside from Gabriel Menino onto his right foot saw him whip a superb strike from the edge of the box. This left goalkeeper Leo with no chance and sent the sides into the break level at 1-1.
Then, in the second half, a well-worked move saw Alvaro Barreal smash the ball into the back of the net to put Santos 2-1 in front.
Chape fought back in style, first through Higor Meritao, who finished off a wonderful corner routine to level matters. Then, Jean Carlos fired Chapecoense back into the lead.
The side from Florianopolis completed the job when Rafael Carvalheira netted to seal a 4-2 victory.
Fluminense v Gremio
Fluminense made it three wins in a row in all competitions, following their 2-1 victory over rivals Flamengo in the Carioca at the weekend. They then welcomed Gremio to the Maracana.
After a quiet first half with limited chances and just one shot on target, the second half provided a much better showing from both sides. Nonato opened the scoring straight after the break for Fluminense. Then, Luciano Acosta added a second not long after to put the hosts 2-0 up.
Former Fulham man Carlos Vinicius pulled one back for Gremio. However, it wasn’t enough as Fluminense picked up an important three points to start the season with a victory.
Corinthians v Bahia
Copa do Brasil champions Corinthians hosted Bahia, who enjoyed a fantastic season last time around and will be hoping to repeat that under the guidance of Rogerio Ceni.
It was the hosts who took an early lead through Breno Bidon. However, a Jean Lucas goal from outside the box, followed by a Willian Jose spot-kick saw Bahia turn the game around in the first half.
The second half was quieter in terms of goals but largely dominated by Corinthians, who enjoyed 64% possession. They registered 13 shots compared to Bahia’s three but couldn’t find a way through, allowing the away side to hold on for a massive three points.
Coritiba v Bragantino
Serie B champions Coritiba hosted Bragantino in their first match back in the top flight following a successful campaign last time around.
However, their return to the Brasileirao did not go to plan when Josue was sent off for a poor tackle inside the first half hour. Coritiba looked set to dig deep and hang on for a point despite heavy second-half pressure from Bragantino.
But their resistance was finally broken when Juninho Capixaba’s header narrowly crept over the goalline despite a fantastic effort from Coxa keeper Pedro Morisco.
It was a heartbreaking end for Coritiba, who had done so well to persevere and keep Bragantino at bay until that moment.
Vitoria v Remo
One of the key reasons behind Vitoria’s survival last season was their impressive home form, and they carried that into the 2026 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Remo, who were making their first top-flight appearance in over 30 years.
The first half was a goalless affair, although Vitoria had the better chances. However, the second half proved far more clinical, as Renato Kayzer fired the hosts into the lead before Baralhas sealed the three points 13 minutes from time.
Fabricio did make it 3-0, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, meaning Vitoria had to settle for a 2-0 opening-night victory. Meanwhile, Remo were given an early reminder of the demands of life in the top flight.
Internacional v Athletico Paranaense
Internacional flirted with relegation last season, something they’ll hope to avoid this time around. However, they did not start as they would have liked, suffering a 1-0 home defeat to newcomers Athletico Paranaense.
Sloppy play from Internacional allowed Athletico Paranaense to pounce. The ball fell to John Stiven Mendoza, who rounded the goalkeeper and fired the visitors in front inside the opening ten minutes.
They almost doubled their advantage moments later. Mendoza squared for Kevin Viveros, but he fluffed his lines, dragging his effort wide.
Felix Torres thought he had pulled the sides level, but the goal was disallowed after he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up.
Athletico held firm to secure an important away win on their return; Inter were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal.
Mirassol v Vasco da Gama
Mirassol were one of the stories of last season, earning a historic fifth-place finish that stunned much of Brazil. They began the 2026 campaign looking to extend their impressive unbeaten home run in the top flight to 20 matches.
It was not plain sailing for Mirassol, who fell behind after a wonderful ball from Puma Rodriguez found Philippe Coutinho, who got on the end of it. The goal came after a heavy collision between Coutinho and Joao Victor, although both were thankfully able to continue.
Read More: The Mirassol miracle – From Série D to the Libertadores in five seasons
Mirassol didn’t take long to respond, as Carlos Cuesta turned the ball into his own net to restore parity. Then, in the second half, new signing Eduardo fired home from close range to secure a 2-1 victory.
It was a solid start for Mirassol, once again underlining their strong home form.
Botafogo v Cruzeiro
Botafogo failed to live up to the heights of their historic 2024 season, which saw them lift both the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao titles. They did, however, manage a sixth-place finish.
Their 2026 opener saw them come up against Cruzeiro, who head into the campaign as one of the favourites for the title following the arrival of former Brazil manager Tite and an impressive third-place finish in 2025.
Kaio Jorge rounded the goalkeeper and thought he had put Cruzeiro ahead, but a perfectly executed offside trap from Botafogo saw the goal ruled out.
It was Cruzeiro who had the better of the chances in the first half; the second half told a completely different story as Fogo turned the game on its head.
A goal from Danilo just after the break put Botafogo in front, before Matheus Martins, Danilo again, and Arthur sealed an emphatic 4-0 victory, a perfect start for new manager Martin Anselmi.
The result sends Botafogo top of the Brasileirao after matchweek one, while Tite and Cruzeiro are left with plenty of work to do ahead of the next round of fixtures.
