Former Inter Milan striker Adriano scored on his return to Flamengo as he helped the Rio de Janeiro side record a 2-1 win over Atletico Paranaense in the Campeonato Brasileirao.

Earlier this month the 27-year-old returned to the club where he made his playing debut in 2000 after having his Inter Milan contract terminated a few weeks ago when he announced he wanted to take a break from football. Against Atletico, Adriano headed home 50 seconds into the second half to double Flamengo's lead after Antonio Carlos's first half own goal had opened the scoring.

Rafael Moura's 69th minute penalty halved the deficit for Atletico, but it was not enough to stop them suffering a third defeat in the first four games of the season. Flamengo, meanwhile, claimed their second win to move onto seven points from their four games.

"I am very happy for being back and scoring. There is no money on Earth to change the happiness of a person and I am really happy," said Adriano.

"When your mind helps you, it does not matter whether you are not 100 per cent physically fit. I managed to play more than 45 minutes and I can work even harder to reach my best form. I am working hard, slowly and with humility."

In Salvador, a last-gasp goal from Leandro Domingues handed Vitoria a 1-0 triumph over ten-man Gremio to move up to second place, three points behind leaders Internacional, who beat Avai 2-1 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign.

Talles Cunha gave Tite's Inter the lead after 15 minutes before Alecsandro doubled the advantage 14 minutes into the second half. Lima struck an 87th minute consolation for Avai before Internacional midfielder Maycon and Avai defender Emerson were sent-off in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, Paulo Henrique Lima scored a first half brace as Santos saw-off ten-man Corinthians 3-1, while three-time defending champions Sao Paulo finally celebrated their very first win of the tournament by hammering Cruzeiro 3-0 at the Morumbi.

Washington opened the scoring with a 12th minute header and after Borges stretched the lead 20 minutes later, Dagoberto sealed the win with 13 minutes remaining. Finally, Gremio Barueri and Palmeiras shared a 2-2 draw, while Nautico and Fluminense drew 1-1.