Brazilian Serie A wrap: Mineiro, Sao Paulo continue winning starts

Atletico Mineiro and Sao Paulo made it two wins from two as the fledging Brazil Serie A season resumed on Saturday.

Mineiro took a provisional lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 win at Avai, the victory anchored by a brace to Leonardo Silva.

The former Cruzeiro defender was on hand to equalise for Mineiro in the 16th minute after the visitors conceded an early goal to Avai marksman Fabio Santos.

Former Wolfsburg and Gremio defender Rever put Mineiro into the lead with a goal two minutes after the restart, and Silva fired his second in the 68th minute to leave the result beyond doubt.

Elsewhere, Sao Paulo backed up their season-opening defeat of reigning champions Fluminense with a last-gasp 1-0 win over newly promoted Figueirense.

Eighteen-year-old midfielder Lucas nabbed a winner in injury time for the hosts, who rise to provisional second on the table.

Botafogo got themselves in the winners’ column with a 1-0 defeat of visiting Santos, who have secured just one point out of a possible six to start the campaign.

Fabio Ferreira was the hero for the victors with a goal in the 36th minute.

Finally, Internacional’s first home game of the season ended on the low note, with the reigning Copa Libertadores champions falling 1-0 to 10-man Ceara.

Veteran striker Iarley found the net in the 63rd minute for the visitors, who then lost striker Washington to a straight red card in injury time.