Ronaldinho scores hat-trick in Atletico Mineiro's 6-0 victory

Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick on Saturday as Atletico Mineiro defeated Figueirense 6-0 to keep alive its Brazilian Serie A title chances. Ronaldinho struck Atletico's first goal at the Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte with a stunning 25m shot that curled and dipped late to leave goalkeeper Wilson with no chance. He added a second just before half-time by drilling a free-kick under the Figueirense wall before completing his first hat-trick with the club by converting a 62nd-minute penalty. Ronaldinho also provided precise passes to set up goals to Rever and Bernard while Carlos Cesar scored the team's sixth after Jo's assist. After the match Ronaldinho's teammate and close friend, Jo, revealed the 32-year-old had been brought to tears after his first goal due to the sudden death of his stepfather on Friday. "He had his head in the right place and asked to play," the former Manchester City forward said. "He has experience and is a sensational guy. No doubt he is hurting now but he is exemplary. What he did was show his commitment to the team." The result takes Atletico Mineiro to 56 points, six behind league leader Fluminense, which defeated Botafogo 1-0 in Rio on Saturday.