Jo's double lifts Atletico Mineiro to fifth

Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Oct 4 (IANS): Brazil striker Jo scored a brace as Atletico Mineiro beat Ponte Preta 4-0 in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

The former Manchester City forward netted in the 23rd and 71st minutes while Marcos Rocha and Alecsandro also struck for the hosts here Thursday, reports Xinhua.

The result lifted Atletico to fifth in the standings, just three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Paranaense.

After the match Jo said the reigning Copa Libertadores champions were peaking at the right time as they prepare for December’s FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.

“We have made it our goal to get three points from every match in the second half of the championship, especially at home,” Jo said. “I think we are going to finish the season on a positive note.”

In Thursday’s only other match, Vasco da Gama defeated Internacional 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro.