SAO PAULO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Former West Ham United forward Jonathan Calleri struck twice as Sao Paulo beat Palmeiras 3-1 in the first leg of Brazil's Paulista championship.
The 28-year-old Argentine put the hosts ahead by converting a penalty just before halftime.
Pablo Maia made it 2-0 with a cool finish after combining with Rodrigo Nestor.
Calleri extended the margin in the 81st-minute with a strike from point-blank range before Raphael Veiga made it 3-1 with a left-footed shot following a set piece.
Sao Paulo are aiming to win their 23nd Paulista championship while Palmeiras are vying for their 24th. ■
