FORTALEZA, Brazil (Interstat) — SE Palmeiras opened its Serie A campaign with a 3-1 away victory over Ceara on Sunday, defying pregame projections.

The match at Estádio Castelão saw Palmeiras overcome a statistical model that heavily favored the hosts. Pedro Raul opened the scoring for Palmeiras in the 12th minute. Substitute Facundo Torres doubled the lead five minutes later.

Ceara’s Ramón Sosa, also a substitute, pulled one back in the 60th minute, but Palmeiras substitute José Manuel López restored the two-goal cushion just five minutes later to seal the result. The physical contest featured eight yellow cards.

The win gives Palmeiras a perfect start in Serie A play, while Ceara begins its season with a loss.