Atletico Mineiro shock defending champions Flamengo in season opener

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis netted an own goal as Atletico Mineiro defeated defending champions Flamengo in their Brazilian Serie A season opener on Sunday.

Luis gifted the hosts an early lead at the Maracana stadium when he turned Guilherme Arana's cross into Diego Alves's goal.

Flamengo head coach Domenec Torrent, in his first match in charge after replacing Jorge Jesus last week, made three attacking substitutions in the final 30 minutes in an effort to spark his team into action.

However, forwards Pedro, Michael and Vitinho - who replaced midfielders Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro and Gerson - barely threatened Atletico's defence.

Atletico Mineiro head coach Jorge Sampaoli has now defeated Flamengo in consecutive Serie A matches, having masterminded Santos's 4-0 win over the Rio side on the final weekend of the 2019 league season.

Elsewhere on Sunday, forward Claudinho came off the bench to score in second-half stoppage time and earn newly promoted Bragantino a 1-1 draw at Santos.

Former Changchun Yatai striker Marinho had given the hosts the lead with a 65th-minute strike at the Vila Belmiro stadium.