Ten-man Atletico Mineiro joined Internacional on top of the Campeonato Brasileiro thanks to a 3-0 win over nine-man Nautico.

Despite the dismissal of defender Thiago Feltri in the tenth minute, Celso Roth's Atletico Mineiro took the lead three minutes later thanks to a goal by Junior after an Eder Luis cross from the right. Nautico defender Vagner was expelled seven minutes into the second half and Derley left his team with nine men in the 59th after a tough foul on Renan.

Atletico took advantage and Diego Tardelli widened the gap four minutes later before Marcio Araujo made it 3-0 seven minutes from time. Atletico coach Roth hailed the performance of his team in the opening rounds of the national league.

"This is the product of hard work, harmony," he said. "We are just enjoying a good run. Basically, it is the result of how players have settled down. It was an extremely difficult match tonight."

Atletico reached the 14-point mark to level Internacional, who drew 0-0 with fourth-placed Vitoria. With the Copa do Brasil finals looming on Wednesday Inter rested a number of senior players, while Vitoria midfielder Wellinton was sent-off seconds before the final whistle.

Depleted Flamengo suffer
Elsewhere nine-man Coritiba showed no mercy to 10-man Flamengo to claim their very first win in the league by hammering the Rio de Janeiro giants 5-0. Bruno Batata netted a brace for Rene Simoes' team while Marcos Aurelio, Leozinho and an own goal by Wellinton secured the victory for the hosts at the Couto Pereira.

Coritiba's Argentinian forward Ariel Nahuelpan and defender Felipe were shown red as was Flamengo midfielder Airton. Both Palmeiras and Gremio Barueri came back from a goal down to beat Cruzeiro and Avai respectively, with a 3-1 score.

Bernardo put Cruzeiro ahead in the 24th minute in Sao Paulo, but hosts Palmeiras recovered as Magrao equalised after 33 minutes before a brace by Keirrison gave them the victory. Meanwhile in Sao Paulo state, Avai took an early lead in the seventh minute when Marquinhos netted a free-kick. However, defender Emerson was sent-off 35 minutes in and Gremio profited.

Just after the hour mark, Ewerton levelled the duel after a Joao Victor assist before Pedrao and Marcos Pimentel secured the Barueri's first victory in the 83rd and 85th minutes. Finally, Ronaldo played 72 minutes before he was replaced by Otacilio Neto in Corinthians' 0-0 draw at Goias, while Fluminense and Gremio also drew 0-0 in Rio de Janeiro.