Striker Robinho netted a pair of goals Sunday as Santos thrashed modest Paysandu 6-0 to open a three-point lead in the Brazilian league.
Robinho, who has scored five goals in the last four matches, put Santos ahead by beating two defenders and goalkeeper Paulo Musse before striking the open net from about 7 meters (yards).
The 20-year-old sensation added his second with a header in the 44th after a well-placed cross from striker Deivid.
Midfielder Elano — who earned the No. 10 jersey after youngster Diego was sold to Portugal’s FC Porto — scored Santos’ second goal with a header in the 14th, and playmaker Ricardinho netted the third with a left-footer from the top of the box in the 41st.
Replacement striker Basilio then scored with a shot from close range in the 60th, and midfielder Fabinho finished Paysandu off with a booming shot from outside the box in the 83rd.
Santos, last year’s runner-up, has the competition’s best offense with 47 goals. The 2002 national champion has netted 18 goals in the last four matches.
