Washington brace lifts São Paulo to win

(GSM) – A pair of goals by striker Washington gave Brazilian power São Paulo a 2-0 win over Mexican side Monterrey in Wednesday’s Copa Libertadores Group 2 match.

São Paulo, winners of the Libertadores on three occasions, struck the opener on 13 minutes as Jorge Wagner’s beautiful cross found Washington inside the area for the finish beyond Monterrey goalkeeper Omar Ortiz.

Monterrey improved after that moment, but they never managed to trouble São Paulo goalkeeper Rogério Ceni, who nearly got a goal of his own in the second half on a free kick that Ortiz saved nicely.

The visitors continued to apply pressure to no avail, and Washington sealed the match with his second goal on 76 minutes.

Again, the striker found himself open at the back post, and he slotted home after a corner kick was headed into his path from across the goal.

The Brazilians are level at the head of Group 2 with Colombian side Once Caldas, who were winners over Nacional of Paraguay on Tuesday.