Matheuzinho of Brazil's Flamengo (left) scores his side's 2nd goal against Peru's Sporting Cristal during a Copa Libertadores soccer match at National stadium, in Lima, Peru, April 5, 2022. (MARTIN MEJIA / AP)

LIMA - Defender Matheuzinho scored one goal and set up another as Flamengo made a winning start to their 2022 Copa Libertadores campaign on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory at Sporting Cristal.

Bruno Henrique gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute when Matheuzinho's cross found Bruno Henrique, whose angled first-time effort left goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte with no chance

Bruno Henrique gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute when Matheuzinho's cross found Bruno Henrique, whose angled first-time effort left goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte with no chance.

Matheuzinho doubled the lead three minutes from time by rifling a low effort into the far corner after Lazaro's perfectly weighted through pass.

In other fixtures on the opening night of the Copa Libertadores group stage, Olimpia were held to a goalless home draw by Cerro Porteno, Colon won 2-1 at home to Penarol, Always Ready secured a 2-0 home win over Corinthians, hosts Deportivo Cali beat Boca Juniors 2-0 and Athletico Paranaense held Caracaos to a goalless draw.

READ MORE: Man City stay ahead of Liverpool, Brentford stun Chelsea

Andreas Pereira of Brazil's Flamengo (right) is challenged by Gianfranco Chavez of Peru's Sporting Cristal during a Copa Libertadores soccer match at National stadium, in Lima, Peru, April 5, 2022. (MARTIN MEJIA / AP)

Brazil's Palmeiras will start their quest for a third straight Libertadores title with an away clash against Deportivo Tachira in Venezuela on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Premier League to reintroduce 5 substitutes rule from next season