BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (Interstat) — Atletico Mineiro opened its Carioca Série A season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bahia on Wednesday at Arena MRV. The win defied pregame projections that heavily favored the visitors.

Forward Hulk opened the scoring in the 66th minute. Midfielder Igor Gomes doubled the lead nine minutes later, and Biel added a third goal just two minutes after that to seal the dominant performance. Bahia played a man down after Kanu received a red card in the 52nd minute. The result gives Atletico Mineiro an early lead in the state competition.