Costa, Adriano steer Shakhtar to victory

Brazilian imports Douglas Costa and Luiz Adriano teamed up to steer Shakhtar Donetsk to a 3-0 win at Braga on Tuesday as the Ukrainians stayed on course for the Champions League last 16.

After seeing off Partizan Belgrade 1-0 in their Group H opener, Shakhtar made it two wins in two matches as Braga, routed 6-0 at Arsenal in their first outing, were outplayed on home turf.

The Brazilian duo combined for the opening goal, which arrived in the 56th minute.

Costa, one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents, took on the Braga defence before slipping the ball into the path of his compatriot on the right.

Adriano, who scored in Shakhtar’s 2009 UEFA Cup final win over Werder Bremen, unleashed a drive that Braga goalkeeper Felipe managed to let slip through his hands and into the goal.

The same pair combined for the second goal in the 72nd minute.

Costa again played a perfectly weighted pass for Adriano to beat Felipe at the near post.

Costa deservedly got on the scoresheet in the last minute when he converted a penalty after Paulo Cesar had fouled Willian in the area.