SALVADOR, Brazil (Interstat) — In a stunning upset that defied overwhelming statistical projections, EC Vitoria defeated Internacional 1-0 on Wednesday night in a Carioca Série A match at a raucous Estádio Manoel Barradas.

The match, decided by a 68th-minute header from defender Lucas Halter, saw the home side overcome pregame odds that heavily favored the visiting Internacional. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-0 victory for Internacional, and its ELO rating system gave the visitors an 89.5 percent probability of winning.

The result immediately reshapes the early landscape of the Brazilian state competition, handing Vitoria a perfect start to its campaign while dealing a significant blow to an Internacional side expected to contend.

From the opening whistle, the match was a physical and often choppy affair, with the referee’s whistle a frequent sound. The tone was set early when Internacional’s Bruno Gomes was shown a yellow card in just the second minute. His teammate Ivan followed with a booking in the ninth minute, signaling a frustrating night for the visitors.

Despite their favored status, Internacional struggled to break down a disciplined Vitoria defense. The first half passed without a clear-cut chance for either side, with the game mired in midfield battles and interrupted by fouls.

The physical nature of the contest continued after the break. Internacional’s Alexandro Bernabei was cautioned in the 54th minute, one of seven yellow cards issued throughout the match.

The game’s decisive moment arrived from an unlikely source. In the 68th minute, Vitoria defender Lucas Halter found space inside the penalty area and powerfully headed a cross into the net for the game’s only goal. The assist was credited to fellow defender Camutanga, whose long ball into the box found Halter’s run.

The goal sent the home supporters into a frenzy and forced Internacional to chase the game. The visitors’ attempts to find an equalizer were hampered by their own lack of precision and Vitoria’s resolute defending. The home side effectively managed the remaining minutes, disrupting Internacional’s rhythm and controlling the tempo.

International’s frustration mounted as the clock wound down, resulting in late bookings for Vitoria’s Dudu in the 79th minute and Camutanga in the 85th. The match concluded with a flurry of cautions in stoppage time, as Vitoria’s Gabriel Baralhas and Juninho were both shown yellow cards in the 94th and 91st minutes, respectively.

The 1-0 victory marks a perfect start to the Carioca Série A season for EC Vitoria, which begins the tournament with one win and zero losses. For Internacional, the loss is a damaging start, leaving them with a record of zero wins and one loss in the competition. The records also stand as each club’s overall mark across all competitions for the young season.

The match will be remembered for Vitoria’s tactical discipline and its ability to capitalize on a single set-piece opportunity against a heavily favored opponent. Internacional, meanwhile, is left to ponder a surprising opening defeat where its high-powered attack was held scoreless and its discipline faltered in a hostile road environment.