Cruzeiro set down an early marker in the Campeonato campaign by inflicting a first defeat of the season on Vasco da Gama on Saturday.

The visitors won 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro, never looking back after Walter Montillo had broken the deadlock four minutes before half-time. Wellington Paulista doubled their lead and though Rodolfo quickly pulled a goal back, Anselmo Ramon put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute.

The result takes Cruzeiro top of the fledgling table while Vasco lie third, with Atletico Mineiro separating the pair after hammering Nautico Recife 5-1. Bernard gave them a third-minute lead and Araujo's equaliser proved merely a short-term distraction.

Ronaldinho netted a 36th-minute penalty, Danilinho immediately made it 3-1 and netted again after half-time and Damian Escudero completed the rout in stoppage time.

Sao Paulo suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Portuguesa, Ivan with the only goal in the 56th minute.