RIO DE JANEIRO (Interstat) — Flamengo delivered a commanding performance to open its Carioca Série A campaign, decisively defeating RB Bragantino 3-0 on Saturday at a vibrant Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho.

The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat, whose simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw. The data firm’s ELO system, however, heavily favored the home side, giving Flamengo a 93.8 percent probability of victory, a prediction the team emphatically fulfilled.

After a first half of sustained pressure that yielded few clear chances, the deadlock was broken in the 50th minute by midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan playmaker, a key figure for the Rubro-Negro, provided the crucial opening goal, settling the nerves of the home supporters.

Flamengo doubled its lead in the 72nd minute through forward Bruno Henrique, who found the back of the net to put the game firmly out of reach for the visiting Massa Bruta. The home side added a third goal late in the match to seal the comprehensive victory.

The match was a physical affair, with five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. The cautions began just before halftime, with RB Bragantino’s Eduardo Sasha receiving the first booking in the 45th minute.

Flamengo substitute Gustavo Marques was shown a yellow card in the 67th minute, but not before he made a significant positive impact on the match, being credited with an assist on one of Flamengo’s three goals. Teammate Guillermo Varela was booked in the 81st minute.

The match grew increasingly teste in stoppage time, with two late cautions. RB Bragantino’s Bruno Praxedes was booked in the 93rd minute, and Flamengo’s goal-scorer Bruno Henrique received a yellow card a minute later.

The victory gives Flamengo an ideal start to the Carioca Série A season, improving its record to one win and zero losses in the competition. The loss leaves RB Bragantino at zero wins and one loss in its state championship opener. The records also stand as each team’s overall mark across all competitions for the new season.