SANTOS, Brazil (Interstat) — Santos opened its Serie A campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro on Sunday at Estádio Urbano Caldeira. The result defied a pregame projection that favored Cruzeiro.

Midfielder Thaciano led the hosts with two first-half goals in the 26th and 28th minutes. João Schmidt added a third in the 60th minute to seal the win. Thaciano also recorded an assist, while Guilherme Augusto and substitutes Gabriel Barbosa and Rayan Passaglia Lelis each contributed an assist.

The match featured four yellow cards, including one for Thaciano shortly after his second goal. Santos begins the Brazilian top-flight season with a win, while Cruzeiro seeks its first victory.