Forward Paulinho scored a second-half equaliser to earn Flamengo a 1-1 draw against Vasco da Gama in the first leg of the Campeonato Carioca final.
Rodrigo gave Vasco the lead with an 11th-minute header after a Douglas corner at the Maracana stadium Sunday, reports Xinhua.
The result leaves Flamengo needing only a draw in next Sunday's second leg to win Rio's state championship for a 33rd time, owing to their superior record during the championship.
In Sao Paulo, Ituano defeated Santos in the first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final after Cristian's 21st-minute strike at the Pacaembu stadium.
The return match will also be played at the Pacaembu stadium Sunday.
