Pato on target but injured in Corinthians win

Sao Paulo, March 14 (IANS):

Brazil internationals Alexandre Pato and Paulinho were both on target as Corinthians defeated Tijuana 3-0 in their Copa Libertadores Group 5 football clash.

Former Milan striker Pato bundled in from close range after Renato Augusto’s fierce strike rebounded off the bar before Peru forward Paolo Guerrero made it 2-0 with a sublime first-time turn and finish following Alessandro’s cross, Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Midfielder Paulinho scored the Brazilian outfit’s third at the Pacaembu Stadium stadium by heading in after an Augusto set-piece.

The victory was soured slightly by the latest setback to the injury-prone Pato, who was substituted in the first half with a right thigh strain.

The 23-year-old was playing in his 11th consecutive match, a feat he had not achieved since 2009 due to a series of muscle problems.

Defending champions Corinthians are now second in the Group 5 standings, two points behind top-placed Tijuana.

In other matches Wednesday, Ronaldinho‘s Atletico Mineiro overcame The Strongest 2-1, Olimpia trounced Deportivo Lara 5-1 and Toluca held Barcelona de Guayaquil to a goalless draw.