After the long break due to South American World Cup qualifiers, the Copa Libertadores returned with a bang last night. Man of the night surely: Jonathan Calleri.
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| Jonathan Calleri. (Photo: Eduardo Knapp/Folhapress) |
Brazilian São Paulo were visited by Trujillanos in a must-win game after only managing to collect two points from three games. Led by an outstanding Jonathan Calleri, they won in style, beating their Venezuelan opponents 6-0.
São Paulo celebrated their biggest ever win in the competition and got started in the 13th minute, when Calleri struck for the first time via header. He was unchallenged in the centre of the area and had no trouble finishing off a nice cross from Michel Bastos' left wing. Only five minutes later, it was Kelvin who doubled the Brazilian advantage by banging in his own rebound. Trujillanos' goalkeeper Hector Perez had made the save on Kelvin's original try, but stood without a chance on the second effort.
São Paulo created chance on chance and after 25 minutes, the Morumbí stadium erupted for a third time. João Schmidt profited from too much space inside the area for a third time and slotted Ganso's low cross comfortably into the bottom left corner, against the run of Perez. The Venezuelans could not keep up with their opponents tonight and were lucky to be down just three by halftime.
The second 45 minutes turned into a Jonathan Calleri show. The Argentine striker added three more goals to his total of four and missed a penalty on top of it, but let us start at the beginning. Right at the beginning of the second half, he did better from the spot than he would later and converted a penalty effortlessly for a 4-0 lead.
During the following stages, up until the last ten minutes, things were pretty even and São Paulo avoided doing more than needed. The visitors collected a shot or two, having their best chance through a direct freekick in the 65th, which was comfortably saved and held by Dênis though.
As the Brazilians took control of the game again towards the end, Calleri was brought down by Perez and received a penalty for it. He tried to convert himself, but saw his attempt held by the goalkeeper. Sadly right into the middle, where Calleri could easily get to his own rebound and followed it up by a better shot into the back of the net (80'). Another seven minutes later, Calleri finished things off by scoring his fourth goal. A long ball from Lucão eliminated the complete Venezuelan defense and Calleri had no trouble finding the right corner all alone in front of goal.
6-0 or 1-0, it was a very important three points for São Paulo that will still face difficult tasks away to The Strongest and against River Plate. For now, the win puts Edgardo Bauza's team into second place in Group 1 with 5 points. The Strongest lead the group with 7 and still have to play River (5) tonight. Trujillanos will have no chance to advance, currently with just one point.
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