Defending champions lose in debut of 2009 Serie A

The 2009 Brazilian Serie A had its first round this weekend, with ten matches. Sao Paulo, which won the last three national titles, lost 1-0 in its debut, an away game at the Maracana Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, against Fluminense. Mauricio scored a nice goal a few minutes into the game to give the locals the win. The champions still created some chances to tie the game - which would have been a fair result -, but without success.

Meanwhile, defending Sao Paulo State champions Corinthians decided to side a team with many reserves in its home game against Internacional at the Pacaembu Stadium, and ended up paying the price with a 1-0 loss, in a marvellous goal by Nilmar. He rode past several defenders before putting the ball into the net, to the joy of the colorado fans.

Newcomers Santo Andre tied Botafogo 1-1 at home, in front of just under 2,000 people. One would think the first game in the Brazilian Serie A, against a traditional Brazilian team, would attract more fans than that. Goiania also had a pitiful attendance, with just 2,500 people witnessing the 3-3 draw between locals Goias and Nautico, which came back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game.

Cruzeiro scored a good 2-0 win at home over Flamengo at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, while Vitoria scored the same 2-0 at home over Atletico Paranaense in Salvador.

Gremio attracted 40,000 fans in Porto Alegre, but could not go beyond a 1-1 draw with Santos. Palmeiras came from behind to defeat Coritiba 2-1 at home , while Barueri had a good first game in a 1-1 away draw with Sport, in Recife. Finally, Avai could not hold on to a 2-0 lead and ended up tying Atletico Mineiro 2-2 at home, thanks to two goals in just over five minutes by Atletico, in the final 20 minutes of the game.