RIO DE JANEIRO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Brazil international strikers Gabriel Barbosa and Pedro were on target as Flamengo began their Brazilian Serie A campaign with a 3-0 home victory over Coritiba on Sunday.
Ayrton Medeiros put the hosts ahead by firing a long-range effort into the top-right corner and Barbosa doubled the lead from the penalty spot.
Pedro, who replaced Barbosa in the 76th minute, completed the rout by combining with Victor Hugo and slotting home his team's third goal.
Meanwhile, Luis Suarez missed a penalty but Gremio still managed to beat Santos 1-0 at Arena do Gremio.
Joao Pedro put the hosts ahead with a 25-yard drive before Suarez sent a penalty attempt high over the crossbar.
Santos were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute when Yeferson Soteldo was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Thomas Luciano.
In Sunday's only other Brazilian Serie A fixture, Corinthians secured a 2-1 home victory over Cruzeiro. ■
