Abu Dhabi: Ricardo Oliveira was in a class of his own as he scored four goals to help Al Jazira trounce Sharjah 5-0 last night.
His efforts overshadowed a goalscoring debut by Al Nasr's big-name signing Luca Toni, who inspired the Dubai-based club to beat Ajman 2-1 away to maintain second place.
Reigning champions Al Jazira took complete command of their match at the state-of-the art Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium after Oliveira put them ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty, following a foul on Abdulla Moussa.
Oliveira converted it in style before adding his second eight minutes later following a beautiful one-two with Ali Mabkhout.
Abdullah Moussa, the left full-back, added the third with a header off a Delgado free-kick five minutes after the break, before Oliveira notched up his third when the Brazilian went past the goalkeeper before placing the ball home.
Four minutes later, Oliveira scored his fourth and his team's fifth following a blunder from the visiting defenders and custodian Hassan Al Sharif.
Oliveira's 13th goal in as many matches this season put him three clear of Asamoah Gyan at the top of the scoring charts.
In Ajman, visiting Al Nasr rallied from a goal down to score a valuable victory.
Striking back
Boris Kapi, who returned to Ajman during the winter transfer window, put his team in front in the 10th minute, but Walter Zenga's men hit back in style through Australian Mark Bresciano.
Toni scored the winner in the 79th minute to increase his team's tally to 27 points, three behind leaders Al Ain and one more than Al Jazira.
"I am happy that my team won the match and I am also happy with my goal. It helped my team win and this what I came to do," Toni told Abu Dhabi Tv after the match.
