Copa Libertadores wrap: Neymar sparkles for Santos

Santos have a Neymar hat-trick to thank for their 3-1 win over fellow Brazilian side Internacional in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.

Highly rated young striker Neymar – reportedly a target for Europe’s biggest clubs – opened the scoring from the penalty spot 18 minutes into the match at Estadio Urbano Caldeira.

It was 2-0 eight minutes into the second half, with Neymar gathering possession in his own half, before beating three Internacional defenders and slotting beyond goalkeeper Muriel.

Not to be out done, Internacional’s own Brazil forward Leandro Damiao pulled one back for the visitors on 63 minutes.

But it took just 60 seconds for Santos to restore their two-goal lead, with 20-year-old star Neymar accelerating beyond two markers and firing home to complete a stylish treble.

The victory leaves Santos and Internacional level on three points in Group 1, second and third respectively behind Bolivian club The Strongest.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Deportivo Quito of Ecuador dispatched Argentine club Velez Sarsfield 3-0 at home.

Matias Alustiza opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 45th minute, with Fidel Martinez Tenorio doubling the home side’s lead just two minutes later.

Luis Saritama made it 3-0 when he scored with 20 minutes of the match remaining.

Brazilian club Corinthians bagged their first victory in Group 6 courtesy of a 2-0 win at home to Nacional of Paraguay, thanks to goals from Danilo and Jorge Henrique De Souza in the first and second half respectively.

Finally, Fluminense of Brazil recorded an impressive 2-1 win away to Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors.

Ex-Lyon striker Fred opened the scoring for the away side nine minutes into the Group 4 clash at La Bombonera, with Leandro Somoza equalising for Boca two minutes into the second half.

Former Barcelona and Chelsea player Deco sealed all three points for the visitors when he scored on 55 minutes.