SALVADOR, Brazil (Interstat) — Bahia opened its Carioca Série A campaign with a 1-0 victory over Vasco da Gama on Sunday at Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova. The match’s lone goal came from midfielder Erick Pulga in the 73rd minute, assisted by substitute Cauan Barros. The game was marred by discipline as Vasco’s David was sent off in the 68th minute and teammate Santi Ramos Mingo received a second yellow card in the 84th. The result defied a pregame statistical projection that favored Vasco da Gama to win. Bahia begins the season 1-0-0 while Vasco da Gama starts 0-1-0.