Li Shenglong, Marko Arnautovic and Hulk netted late goals as Chinese giants Shanghai SIPG overwhelmed Thai visitors Buriram United 3-0 in a match overshadowed by the novel coronavirus epidemic at a deserted Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Vitor Pereira's side joined Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing FC, and Shanghai Shenhua to become the fourth Chinese club to book their place in the group phase of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

The preliminary playoff was played behind closed doors in Shanghai as Chinese authorities attempt to contain the virus outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. In a warm gesture to boost morale, organizers displayed colored plastic bags in the stands to form words of "Keep on going Wuhan" in reference to the city's effort to fight the coronavirus.

In this odd atmosphere, Buriram started lively but the hosts remained unflustered and enjoyed greater ball possession. SIPG deservedly broke the deadlock as Li opened the scoring after 77 minutes. Then, the flood gates opened as Hulk and Arnautovic put the icing on the cake with brilliant goals.

Shanghai SIPG will take on Japanese champions Yokohama F Marinos, South Korean giants Hyundai Motors and Australian outfit Sydney FC in Group H.

Groups for Chinese clubs

Group E: Beijing FC (Beijing Guoan FC), Chiangrai United of Thailand, Melbourne Victory of Australia and FC Seoul of South Korea.

Group F: Shanghai Shenhua, Ulsan Hyundai FC of South Korea, Perth Glory of Australia and FC Tokyo of Japan.`

Group G: Guangzhou Evergrande, Vissel Kobe of Japan, Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea and Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia.

Fixtures for Chinese clubs

February 11: Beijing FC vs. Seoul FC

February 11: Perth Glory vs. Shanghai Shenhua

February 12: Sydney FC vs. Shanghai SIPG

February 12: Guangzhou Evergrande vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings