Colombia striker Borja fires Palmeiras to 4-0 rout of Vasco da Gama

Colombia international striker Miguel Borja scored twice as defending champions Palmeiras routed Vasco da Gama 4-0 in the opening round of Brazil's Serie A football championship.

The 24-year-old struck either side of halftime while Jean and Alejandro Guerra were also on target at Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

At the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, a Henrique Dourado brace helped Fluminense to a 3-2 win over Santos. Junior Sornoza also struck for the hosts, with Victor Ferraz and Vladimir Hernandez finding the net for the visitors.

In Salvador, a Regis double helped Bahia to a 6-2 victory over 10-man Atletico Paranaense. Edson, Edigar Junio, Ze Rafael and Tiago were also on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Guilherme and Marcao netted for the visitors, who lost Marcao in the 74th minute when the defender received a second yellow card.

In other matches on Sunday, Vitoria drew 0-0 at Avai, Cruzeiro won 1-0 at home to Sao Paulo, Ponte Preta trounced Sport Recife 4-0 and Gremio won 2-0 at home to Botafogo.

--IANS

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