Cleo double guides Guangzhou

Guangzhou Evergrande clinched their first title in 2012, when they clinched the Chinese Super Cup 2-1 over Tianjin Teda on Saturday.

Brazilian striker Cleo’s double steered the big-spending club over the line, with Tianjin captain Wang Xinxin’s goal late proving consolation.

In the precursor to the Chinese Super League (CSL) season between the reigning league champions and 2011 FA Cup winners, Guangzhou took the lead early and never looked back.

Guangzhou captain Li Jianhua set up the opening goal after just two minutes, assisting ex-Partizan Belgrade striker Cleo.

On 21 minutes, Wang went close to equalising for Tianjin, while Guangzhou almost went further ahead late in the half through 2011 CSL MVP Muriqui.

However, Guangzhou would add to their tally three minutes into the second half, when Gao Lin found Cleo to make it 2-0.

Wang pulled a goal back on 83 minutes but they could not find another to force extra-time, as Guangzhou secured a positive result ahead of the CSL season.