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Alexandre Pato scores a beauty for Sao Paulo... and then misses a sitter

Mixed night for former AC Milan striker

Tom Sheen
Monday 08 September 2014 16:07 BST
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Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Pato was once the hottest property in Europe.

In 2009, Carlo Ancelotti wanted to spend £50m to bring the Brazilian youngster with him from AC Milan to Chelsea after Pato, then 19, had just scored 18 goals for Milan on his way to winning multiple individual awards.

Pato continued his rise over the next couple of seasons but injuries and then a loss of form and fitness stunted his growth. After two terrible seasons in 2012 and 2013, Pato moved back to Brazil to join Corinthians for around £12m.

After just a season there Pato was traded to Sao Paulo for Jadson, both on loan deals.

Pato seems to be finding his feet again and his form has been excellent for his new club, with seven goals in his last eight matches. But against Sporting Recife on Sunday the striker had a mixed evening.

After scoring a beautiful team goal on the counter...

...Pato then somehow managed to miss an absolute sitter from inside the six-yard box.

No matter, as Sao Paulo eventually won 2-0.

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