Fluminense stayed in touch with the top two in Brazil Serie A after a comfortable 4-0 win over Bahia on Thursday.
Abel Braga’s team, who finished third last season, had a brace from captain Fred to thank for the win at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange.
The former Lyon striker netted from the penalty spot either side of a Thiago Neves goal as Fluminense moved to within a point of second-placed Vasco da Gama.
Fred, an 18-time Brazil international, opened the scoring in the 49th minute before he set up Neves for the second.
Another penalty saw Fred put the game out of Bahia’s reach before substitute Wallace netted the sealer two minutes before full-time.
Elsewhere, Atletico Goianiense secured their first league win of the season with a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to Figueirense.
Caio opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot before Marcio responded with a spot-kick of his own.
Felipe gave the hosts the lead on the hour-mark, only for Caio to level from the spot, but Joilson netted an 84th-minute winner.
In the day’s other game, Coritiba and Palmeiras drew 1-1 as Anderson Aquino cancelled out Patrik Camilo’s sixth-minute opener.
Coritiba finished the encounter with 10 men after Pereira picked up his second yellow card in additional time.
