On-loan striker Adriano scored one goal and set up another to help Sao Paulo beat Sertaozinho 3-1 in the Paulista championship on Thursday, reports Reuters.

Adriano shrugged off recent inconsistent form since his loan move from Inter Milan to provide a defence-splitting pass for Borges, who had opened the scoring in the first half, to double the Brazilian champion’s tally in the 61st minute.

Eight minutes later, the Brazil international out-jumped his marker to head Sao Paulo’s third. Adriano, who is battling to get his career back on track after physical and reported alcohol problems, took his tally in the tournament to six as well as two he has scored in the South American Libertadores Cup.

The win lifted Sao Paulo to third in the Paulista championship with 32 points from 17 games. The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals.