RIO DE JANEIRO (Interstat) — Botafogo FR began its Serie A campaign with a 4-2 win over Fortaleza EC on Sunday at Estádio Nilton Santos.

Breno opened the scoring in the 17th minute for the hosts. Fortaleza’s Álvaro Montoro leveled just before halftime, but Botafogo responded immediately after the break with Arthur Cabral’s 48th-minute goal. Marçal extended the lead in the 84th, and Mateo Ponte sealed the win in stoppage time. Fortaleza’s Mateo Ponte also scored a consolation goal in added time.

The result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 draw. Botafogo forward Kauan Toledo provided an assist in the victory. Five yellow cards were issued in a tense match conclusion. Botafogo starts the Brazilian top-flight season 1-0, while Fortaleza begins 0-1.