Guangzhou Evergrande avenged their Chinese Super Cup defeat to Jiangsu Sainty with a 3-0 home victory in the Super League on Saturday evening thanks to a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Elkeson.
Elkeson, a recent January signing, scored twice last weekend on his league debut and added three more on this occasion to fast install himself as favourite in the race for top-scorer.
The former Botafogo man gave his side an early lead after 14 minutes, running onto a Gao Lin through ball to finish right-footed low past the opposition goalkeeper.
After half an hour, the lead was doubled. Elkeson pulled away from his marker at the back post to volley home a Zhao Xuri cross from the right with his left foot.
It looked as though he may have missed his big chance for a hat-trick shortly after the break, as he headed over a presentable chance.
Just moments later, he made amends as he climbed above his marker at the front-post to add his third goal.
Marcello Lippi’s side lie top of the table after two fixtures with two big home wins in their favour as they look to win a third consecutive league title.
Elsewhere, Bruno Meneghel continued his phenomenal scoring record in China as he scored his second of the season to give Qingdao Jonoon a 1-0 victory over much-fancied Dalian Aerbin.
