Palmeiras traveled to the Brazilian northern state of Piaui to score a 1-0 win over Flamengo-PI in the opener of the Brazilian Cup on Wednesday.

The club ended the 2009 season with a bitter taste in the mouth after letting the Brazilian Championship title slipped through fingers and failing to qualify for the 2010 Libertadores Cup.

The players now look to send a message to their fans and opponents, proving that they are back and ready to play.

The last time that Palmeiras won the Brazilain Cup was in 1988 while Flamengo has never won the tournament.

Diego Souza scored the only goal of the match in the 74th minute when the midfielder received the ball unmarked. Taking advantage of his free space, he quickly turned to face the goal and angled the ball into the right side of the net.

Both teams will face each other on February 24 in Palmeiras, with the winner advancing to the second round to face the winner between Potyguar and Paysandu.