RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- In-form striker Pedro scored three goals as Flamengo moved to within touching distance of the Copa Libertadores final on Wednesday with a 4-0 away victory over Velez Sarsfield.
The 25-year-old striker put the Brazilian side ahead in their semifinal first leg when he latched onto Leo Pereira's cross with a first-time finish at the far post.
Everton Ribeiro doubled the lead by angling a shot beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos following Gabriel Barbosa's cross from the right.
Barbosa was again the provider just after the hour mark, splitting the Argentine team's defense with a perfectly weighted through ball before Pedro calmly chipped a close-range shot over Hoyos.
Pedro completed the rout as he fired into the far corner 17 minutes from time. The former Fiorentina forward has now netted 11 times in as many matches in the current Copa Libertadores campaign.
The return leg will be played at Flamengo's Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro next Wednesday. ■
