The 2026 Campeonato Gaúcho kicked off with a 1-1 draw between Juventude and Ypiranga(RS) on January 11. Playing at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, both teams showed early-season rust but also plenty of fight in the opening round fixture. Ypiranga managed to take a surprising lead against the top-flight side, showcasing their intent. However, Juventude, leveraging their experience, fought back to secure an equalizer and a share of the points. The match was characterized by a physical midfield battle, with clear-cut chances at a premium for long periods. The result was a decent start for Ypiranga, proving they could compete with established clubs, while Juventude will have viewed it as two points dropped at home. This early draw shaped the initial look of the league table as other matches played out across the state.