Brazilian Serie A wrap: Ronaldinho impresses, Santos draw

Ronaldinho scored in his first Brazilian Serie A match for Flamengo on Saturday, while Santos was held by Internacional.

Former AC Milan and Barcelona star was part of Flamengo’s Campeonato Carioca-winning squad, but wasted no time impressing in his second Serie A stint by helping his side cruise to a 4-0 home win over Avai on Saturday.

The Gremio product’s goal in front of his club’s adoring home fans at the Estadio Claudio Moacir de Azevedo did not come until the second half, with Argentine Dario Botinelli having already handed Flamengo the lead on 22 minutes.

Avai remained in contention until the 63rd minute, but it was Ronaldinho’s goal that opened the floodgates.

On-loan Al-Hilal midfielder Thiago Neves added Flamengo’s third six minutes later, before substitute Diego Mauricio wrapped up the rout three minutes from time.

After one game of the new season, Atletico Miniero sit second behind Flamengo following a routine 3-0 home win over Atletico PR, with midfielder Toro scoring his first goal for the club after five minutes.

Veteran striker Magno Alves doubled the lead on 23 minutes and then snared a brace with his 74th-minute strike, giving him his ninth goal in as many matches.

In other fixtures, Ze Roberto’s first-half equalizer gave Internacional a 1-1 away draw at Santos, who qualified for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals on Wednesday.

Perhaps battling fatigue after also winning the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday, Santos could not manage to gain an opening-day victory despite Keirrison’s 28th-minute opener from the penalty spot.

Three goals in the last 13 minutes gave Vasco da Gama a 3-1 win at Ceara, although at one stage it looked like Cleber’s 65th-minute goal may have decided the match.

But attacking midfielder Bernardo had other ideas, equalizing in the 77th minute before netting again just two minutes later.

Jeferson sealed the victory with his goal two minutes from time to give Ricardo Gomes’ side a valuable away win.