RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Fluminense struggled, but won its season's first appearance at the Rio de Janeiro state championship on Wednesday, beating Bangu 1-0.

The match was evenly balanced as both teams shared the same time of ball possession, each had one player ejected and equally erred in multiple passes.

The game-winning goal came from the reigning Brazilian champions in the 81st minute. After a great display of ball control and ability, Tarta crossed to Fred who then slammed a header into the back of the Bangu net, driving the fans crazy.

In the second round of the first half of the Rio de Janeiro state championship, Fluminense will host Olaria on January 23 while Bangu will travel to face Madureira on the same day.