Rio Branco-ES and Athletic Club drew 1-1 in a competitive Brazilian Cup fixture on March 5, 2026. The match at the Estádio Kléber Andrade was an even contest, with both teams scoring and having chances to win. Athletic Club opened the scoring with a well-taken goal from a swift counter-attack in the first half. Rio Branco-ES responded with increased pressure and were rewarded with an equalizer from a set-piece just after the hour mark. The final twenty minutes saw end-to-end action, but neither side could find a decisive second goal. The draw means Athletic Club takes an away goal advantage back to Minas Gerais for the second leg. The Rio Branco coach was proud of his team's fightback, and the Athletic manager said the tie remains open.