Seoul, March 1

Brazilian goal-machine Adriano made it seven goals in just two AFC Champions League games on Tuesday as FC Seoul destroyed Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 to stay top of Group F.

Adriano, who smashed four in last week’s 6-0 demolition of Buriram United, plundered another hat-trick as the Korean FA Cup-holders roared back from a goal down. After Kazuhiko Chiba’s opener for Hiroshima, Kim Won-Sik equalised just after the half-hour, before Adriano stole the show with his treble in 20 second-half minutes. The Brazilian put Seoul ahead in the 49th when he let a free-kick drop over his shoulder and steered home a volley.

He showed his predatory instincts with a determined run and near-post finish on 55 minutes, and completed his hat-trick after another flowing team move in the 69th. After a ball across the box from Osmar Barba, Sin Jin-Ho’s backheel found the on-rushing Adriano and he swept home Seoul’s fourth.

Adriano remained a danger in the final minutes and Park Chu-Young also came close with a free-kick which flashed just wide. After two games, FC Seoul top Group F on goal difference ahead of China’s Shandong Luneng, who beat Thai outfit Buriram 3-0. Brazilians Diego Tardelli and Jucilei put Shandong 2-0 up before defender Zhao Mingjian curled home a stunning strike with the outside of his boot on 86 minutes.