Fred bags four as Atletico Mineiro rout Sport Boys

Former Brazil striker Fred scored four second-half goals as Atletico Mineiro defeated Bolivian football club Sport Boys Warnes 5-2 in their Copa Libertadores group match on Thursday.

Robinho, the former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan winger, opened the scoring in the fifth minute at the Independencia Stadium but goals from Carlos Tenorio and Alexis Messidoro put the visitors ahead, reports Xinhua news agency.

Fred equalided by sticking out his boot to divert a Rafael Carioca shot and he scored again by latching onto an Elias cross to give the hosts the lead.

The former Selecao No. 9 secured his hat-trick with a header and then bagged his fourth with a deft lob from outside the box.

In Buenos Aires, Sebastian Driussi netted a brace as Argentina's River Plate beat Peru's Melgar 4-2 at the Monumental stadium.

Emanuel Herrera scored twice for the visitors while Ignacio Fernandez and Lucas Martinez were also on the scoresheet for River Plate.

In Medellin, defending champions Atletico Nacional of Colombia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Brazil's Botafogo, with Camilo and Guilherme scoring for the visitors.

In Thursday's only other match, Ayrton Preciado struck late to hand Ecuador's Emelec a 1-0 victory over Independiente Medellin of Colombia.

--IANS

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