Brasileirão Matchday 1 - Saturday Recap

The 2025 Brasileirão season opened with six exciting matches, featuring standout performances and early momentum shifts. Fortaleza, Grêmio, Cruzeiro, and Juventude emerged victorious, each securing crucial wins to kick off their campaigns on a high note.

Fortaleza 2-0 Fluminense

Fortaleza delivered a commanding performance in their Brasileirão opener, securing a 2-0 victory over Fluminense at home. Leão do Pici, determined to overcome recent setbacks in the state championship and Copa do Nordeste, asserted dominance early on. Goals from Lucero and Tinga within the first 20 minutes set the tone for a confident display.

In the wake of the defeat, Fluminense swiftly parted ways with head coach Mano Menezes, citing the team's ongoing struggles and poor start to the year. Menezes' tenure was marred by defensive frailties and internal discord, leading to his departure alongside his coaching staff.

Upcoming Matches: Fortaleza faces Racing (ARG) in the Libertadores on Tuesday, while Fluminense travels to Colombia to take on Once Caldas in the Sudamericana.

Flamengo 1-1 Internacional

The Brasileirão season kicked off with an intense showdown at Maracanã, as Flamengo and Internacional played to a 1-1 draw. Internacional struck first, with Bruno Henrique finishing off a pinpoint cross from Bernabei in the first half.

Both teams remain unbeaten in 2025, with their coaches maintaining impressive records. Looking ahead, Flamengo will travel to Venezuela to face Deportivo Táchira in the Copa Libertadores, while Internacional heads to Salvador for a clash against Bahia.

Grêmio 2-1 Atlético-MG

Grêmio secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atlético-MG in a thrilling Brasileirão contest. Despite early pressure from Atlético-MG, goalkeeper Tiago Volpi made crucial saves to keep his side in contention.

Grêmio broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through a controversial goal by Arezo, and Edenilson doubled the lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Atlético-MG fought back after the break, with Rony pulling a goal back in the 74th minute.

Upcoming Matches: Grêmio takes on Sportivo Luqueño in the Copa Sudamericana, while Atlético-MG faces Cienciano in the Copa Libertadores.

Cruzeiro 2-1 Mirassol

Cruzeiro began their Brasileirão campaign with a 2-1 win over Mirassol at Mineirão. The hosts dominated early, with Dudu and Gabigol finding the net to establish a strong lead.

Mirassol missed a golden opportunity when Reinaldo failed to convert a penalty, but Lucas managed to pull one back in stoppage time. Despite a resurgent second-half effort from the visitors, Cruzeiro held on for the win.

Upcoming Matches: Cruzeiro faces Unión Santa Fé in the Sudamericana on Tuesday, while Mirassol prepares for a league clash against Fortaleza on April 6.

Juventude 2-0 Vitória

Juventude kicked off their Brasileirão campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Vitória at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. Gabriel Taliari was the standout performer, scoring both goals for the home side.

Taliari opened the scoring in the first half, finishing off a well-placed pass from Abner. He sealed the victory late in the game with a deflected strike from the edge of the box.

Upcoming Matches: Juventude faces Botafogo next, while Vitória prepares for a league battle against Flamengo and a Copa Sudamericana debut against Universidad Católica.

São Paulo 0-0 Sport

São Paulo and Sport played out a goalless draw at Morumbi Stadium in their Brasileirão opener. Despite dominating possession, São Paulo failed to break through Sport's resilient defense.

Upcoming Matches: São Paulo travels to Belo Horizonte to face Atlético-MG on Sunday, while Sport hosts Palmeiras at Ilha do Retiro. Midweek, São Paulo has a crucial Libertadores clash against Talleres in Argentina.