RIO DE JANEIRO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Two second-half goals from Bruno Henrique fired Flamengo to a 2-0 victory over Vasco da Gama in the first leg of the Rio de Janeiro state championship final on Sunday.
Henrique netted from a tight angle just before the hour mark after Vasco's defense failed to deal with Giorgian de Arrascaeta's chip into the penalty area at the Olympic Stadium.
Uruguay international midfielder Arrascaeta was also involved in the second goal, providing a cross from the left byline that was partially cleared by goalkeeper Fernando Miguel before falling to Henrique, who hammered home his shot from eight yards.
The decisive second leg will be played at the Maracana Stadium next Sunday.
In other Brazilian state championship final first legs on Sunday, Sao Paulo drew 0-0 at home to Corinthians, Cruzeiro overcame Atletico Mineiro 2-1 in Belo Horizonte and Internacional drew 0-0 with Gremio in Porto Alegre.
The Sao Paulo final was marred by violence, with police reporting that 14 people were injured in clashes between rival fans before the match at Morumbi Stadium.
The Brazilian Serie A season begins on April 27.
