Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > Sports Video

AFC Champions League:Gao's goal and assist keeps champs chances of progressing alive

CCTV.com

04-20-2016 10:52 BJT

As the reigning AFC Champions League title holders, Guangzhou Evergrande travelled to South Korea to face the Pohang Steelers.

A crucial match for the five-time CSL champs as Guangzhou have been struggling in the pool stage, but China's Gao Lin would rise to the occasion with a great performance in the Group H encounter in order to keep his team alive in the continental competition.

Gao almost gives Evergrande the lead in the early going. His shot from a narrow angle forces the Pohang keeper into a diving save. Luiz Felipe Scolari's men would control the ball and dominate the play for much of the night.

Brazilian Paulinho makes an effort from distance in the 17th minute but it's right at the keeper.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is unable to get much on this shot in the 29th minute, but sees his attempt roll wide of the post and it remains 0-0.

But the visitors open the scoring four minutes later. Gao controls the ball off the throw in before sending a great cross to the far post which is banged home by Ricardo Goulart and it's 1-0 for the reigning champions.

Only 68 seconds into the second half, Gao would give his side a two-goal lead. The Chinese forward cuts into the box and sneaks a slow shot past the keeper. Evergrande are on track for their first victory of the campaign. Thanks to the 100th goal of Gao's career as Guangzhou take control against the Steelers.

In the 50th minute, Paulinho would be shown a yellow card for this challenge from behind which means the Brazilian will be suspended for their final group game.

More bad news as Goulart is injured two minutes later and is replaced by young talent Li Yuanyi. But depsite the hiccups, Guangzhou would hang on for the 2-0 victory at Pohang, giving Scolari's a lifeline in the continental competition.

Guangzhou move up to third place with five points from five games. They are two behind second placed Urawa Diamondsand the Japanese side will play Sydney FC later today and a win will mean defending champs Guangzhou are eliminated.

 Guangzhou Evergrande 2 - Pohang Steelers 0

Guangzhou Evergrande 2 - Pohang Steelers 0

First time Shanghai side have progressed out of group stage

And the runners-up in the Chinese Super League last season, Shanghai SIPG, hosted Australia's Melbourne Victory in Group G.

In the 37th minute, SIPG take the lead following a free-kick. Wu Lei nods the ball across the goal with Yu Hai tapping in from close range to make it 1-0. Group leaders Shanghai are chasing their fourth win in five games so far this campaign. And Chinese striker Wu is in superb form at home.

And he is also involved in their second goal just two minutes later. Wu is sent clear on the right flank and finds Elkesson with a low pass. The Brazilian converts the cross to make it 2-0 for SIPG.

Melbourne almost pull one back just before the break, but Shanghai keeper Yan Junling makes an excellent recovery to deny consecutive efforts from the Aussies.

Shanghai keep the pressure on after the break. Wu cuts into the box, looking to break away from the Melbourne defender who handles the ball off Wu's touch. And the hosts are awarded a penalty.

Dario Conca steps up to do the honours and send the keeper the wrong way to give Shanghai a 3-0 lead. Victory here would give them first place in the group.

With 10 minutes to go, Jesse Makarounas scores a consolation goal for the visitors. The final score would be 3-1 as Shanghai take control of the group. Sven Goran Eriksson's team reach the knock-out stages for the first time in the club's history. Wu is the hero for the Chinese team after playing a major role in all three goals for SIPG.

In the Group G standings, tournament debutants Shanghai have sealed first place with 12 points from five matches. Gamba Osaka fell to Suwon Bluewings 2-1 in the other match on Tuesday to leave Melbourne and Suwon level on six points. The Australian side lead the South Korean side on head-to-head results.

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat