Grêmio won the first leg of the Gauchão Sub-17 A1 2026 final against Inter by 2-1, taking the lead in the series. The match was played on Saturday (6) at the CT Hélio Dourado in Eldorado do Sul, and the Grêmio players will now play for a draw in the return match on the 13th at the CT Morada dos Quero-Queros in Alvorada. Grêmio's victory by a single goal margin means that the decision will go to penalties, and a higher score will guarantee the title in regular time. The classic match, which is deciding the Gauchão Sub-17 A1 2026 championship, has been a closely contested one, with the Juventude team making it to the final against Grêmio last year. The rivalry between the two teams has left the match truncated and with many fouls. However, as the game progressed, the Grêmio players began to build their attacks. In the 22nd minute, Grêmio took the lead after a lateral cross from Lucas Kosso, who gave a slight touch to the ball, and Lucas Barros headed it into the goal: 1-0. Inter's equalizer came after a corner kick from the right, which resulted in a series of passes and rebounds in the area. Ryan Norato was left with the ball before the penalty area, and he shot high, with the goalkeeper João Vitor unable to block it: 1-1. In the second half, Grêmio launched a counterattack from the left and took the lead again. Lucas Barros dominated and touched the ball past the xará Lucas Gabriel: 2-1. In the end, Paulinho was sent off at the 43rd minute, leaving Grêmio with a man down and no momentum to chase the equalizer. The decision will now go to Alvorada, where Inter will need to win, while Grêmio can secure the consecutive championship with a draw.