Photo: Zamalek official facebook account
Masry took an early lead in the 14th minute when forward Osama Zamrawi scored the Port Said side’s only goal, but they were later punished as Zamalek hit back with four goals.
Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh levelled in the 30th minute, while Nasser Mansi made it 2-1 a minute before halftime to give Zamalek the advantage at the break.
Mansi struck again in the 75th minute before defender Hossam Abdel-Meguid completed the rout 11 minutes later.
The result kept Zamalek top of the table with 46 points, three ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC, who did not play in the opening round of this phase.
Masry remain fifth with 32 points.
Under the current league format, the top seven teams advance to a mini-league to determine the champion, while the remaining 14 sides compete separately to decide the four relegation places.
Coach Moatamed Gamal opted for experience in this crucial stage, bringing in veteran fullback Omar Gaber and Dabbagh in place of youngsters Mohamed Ibrahim and Mohamed El-Sayed, who started the team’s 1-0 win over Enppi in the final match of the first-round last month.
Midfielder Ahmed Rabie thought he had given Zamalek the lead in the seventh minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Seven minutes later, Masry’s Algerian forward opened the scoring with a fine solo effort, firing home from the edge of the area.
Zamalek responded and went close in the 18th minute when Moroccan fullback Mahmoud Bentayg’s powerful free-kick was saved by the goalkeeper.
The equalizer came in the 30th minute when Dabbagh met Juan Alivina’s cross and guided the ball into the bottom corner.
It was the Palestinian striker’s eighth league goal, drawing him level with Ahly winger Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan at the top of the scoring charts.
Zamalek took control and went ahead just before the break when Mansi finished from a tight angle after being played through by Ahmed Fatouh.
Mansi missed two good chances early in the second half but made amends in the 75th minute with a powerful strike.
Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Masry struggled to create clear chances.
Abdel-Meguid sealed the win with a header from a corner late on.
Zamalek next face Algeria’s CR Belouizdad on Friday in the first leg of their Confederation Cup semi-final.
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