RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Jonathan Calleri scored twice as Sao Paulo kept alive their hopes of securing a place in next year's Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 home win over Coritiba in Brazil's Serie A championship on Thursday.
Calleri opened the scoring in the second minute when he fired a right-footed shot into the top-right corner after Rodrigo Nestor's pass.
The Argentine striker was again on target just after the hour as he latched onto Patrick Nascimento's cross with a downward header that caught goalkeeper Gabriel Ferreira flat footed.
The hosts continued to attack with intent and they extended their advantage in the 72nd minute through Luciano Neves, who combined with Welington Santos before sending a low shot into the bottom right corner.
The visitors pulled a goal back when Matheus Cadorini nodded home following a Regis Salmazzo set piece six minutes from time.
The result at the Morumbi stadium leaves Sao Paulo 10th in the 20-team standings with 44 points from 32 games, 10 points ahead of 15th-placed Coritiba.
The top six teams in the standings are guaranteed a place in next year's Copa Libertadores -- South America's premier club competition. But that number could increase to eight if, as likely, the winners of this year's Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil are among the top six. ■
