SAO PAULO, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Brazil international midfielder Paulinho struck a second-half equalizer to earn Corinthians a 1-1 draw against Botafogo in the opening round of Brazil's Serie A championship on Saturday.
The 24-year-old netted with a deflected header from a Douglas free-kick to cancel out Rafael Marques's 24th-minute strike at the Pacaembu stadium.
Former Netherlands international midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who set up Botafogo's goal with a precise cross, praised his team's performance against the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions.
"Despite the draw I think we played well and it isn't a bad result. It isn't easy to come up against Corinthians here," Seedorf said.
In other fixtures on Saturday, a second-half goal from Ecuadorian striker Carlos Tenorio gave Vasco da Gama a 1-0 victory over Portuguesa while Uruguay forward Diego Forlan was also on target in Internacional's 2-2 draw away to Vitoria.
On Sunday, Santos will meet Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo in the first official match at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha World Cup stadium. The fixture will also mark the farewell appearance of Brazil striker Neymar for Santos before his move to Barcelona.