Former Lyon and Roma winger Michel Bastos scored a 79th minute header to help Sao Paulo draw first blood in a 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro in their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal first leg game.
In what was an ill-tempered game which saw referee Wilmar Roldan dish out 10 yellow cards, with seven coming in the first half alone, neither team managed to gain any rhythm throughout the 90 minutes.
It was left to former Brazilian international Bastos to settle proceedings when he glanced home a header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Victor within 16 minutes of being on the pitch.
Atletico not only lost the match but also their star forward Robinho, who was substituted in the 39th minute with an injury.
The return leg will be played on May 18.