RIO DE JANEIRO - Fluminense secured their first win of the Brazilian Serie A season on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Cruzeiro, despite playing most of the match with just 10 men.

The hosts suffered a hammer blow in the 15th minute at the Maracana stadium when midfielder Gilberto was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.

However striker Pedro gave his team the lead against the run of play when he nodded in after Gum's flicked header early in the second half.

The four-time Serie A champions held their nerve in a tense finale, rising to 12th in the 20-team standings after two rounds.

In Curitiba, defending champions Corinthians routed newly promoted Parana Clube 4-0 with goals from Rodriguinho Sidcley, Clayson and Gabriel.

In other matches, Palmeiras beat International 1-0, Atletico Mineiro overcame Vitoria 2-1, Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 at Chapecoense and Sao Paulo eked out a goalless draw at Ceara.