Corinthians opened their 2012 Campeonato Paulista campaign with a 2-1 win over Mirassol on Saturday, while Santos were held.
Heavyweights Corinthians went behind in the curtain-raiser following a goal from Xuxa in the 29th minute at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.
They continued to trail deep into the second half, despite Mirassol going down to 10 men following the 68th-minute dismissal of Alex Silva.
Elton eventually levelled on 75 minutes, before a Dezinho own-goal with two minutes left handed the hosts an opening-day win.
Also on Saturday, defending champions Santos conceded late to draw 1-1 away to XV de Piracicaba.
The visitors led through Alan Kardec's goal in the 32nd minute at Estadio Barao de Serra Negra, with Andre Cunha netting a 90th-minute equaliser for the home side.
Elsewhere, Linense came from behind to win a 4-3 thriller away to Comercial.
The home side led 2-0 as early as the 21st minute following Rafael Tavares' goal and a Luis Augusto penalty.
But it was Linense who went into the half-time break ahead, after goals from Eder Marcelo and Luciano, together with Lenilson's spot-kick, made it 3-2 to the visitors.
Comercial got themselves back on level terms when Fernando Gaucho scored from the spot a minute past the hour mark.
There was still time for more drama, as Neto claimed the winner for Linense with the fourth penalty of the match on 72 minutes.
Evando, Otacilio Neto and Kleiton Domingues all scored in the second half as Ituano dispatched Guaratingueta 3-0 at home.
Dener struck three minutes into the match and Rychely netted with three minutes remaining as Paulista won 2-0 at Portuguesa.
And finally, Jose Fumagalli's penalty and Fabio Souza's late goal saw Guarani come from behind to beat 10-man Oeste 2-1 at home.