Angry Cannavaro rips into Guangzhou Evergrande's poor display, Shanghai SIPG hit top gear
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Guangzhou Evergrande's Yang Liyu (C) during their AFC Champions League Gclash with Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Guangzhou Evergrande's Yang Liyu (C) during their AFC Champions League Gclash with Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

"Of course I am not happy...We didn't control the ball, we didn't create chances and we didn't try to score. You play against strong teams and if you don't give 110 percent in every game, you cannot win," fumed Guangzhou Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro. 

The disheartening Chinese Super League campaign has left his side seeking AFC Champions League salvation with gusto, but they again delivered an unconvincing performance.   

Against a much-improved Suwon Samsung Bluewings, who had lost their opening game to Japan's Vissel Kobe, Evergrande were listless and uninspiring throughout the intense encounter. In truth, they could count themselves fortunate to exit with a point after Ko Seung-beom had a late goal brilliantly saved by Liu Dianzuo.

Guangzhou's coach Fabio Cannavaro barks orders on the sideline during their AFC Champions League Gclash with Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Guangzhou's coach Fabio Cannavaro barks orders on the sideline during their AFC Champions League Gclash with Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Bluewings started brightly and looked in control but failed to produce clear-cut chances, while Evergrande have not made any attacks of note until the half-hour mark when a long pass found Gao Late, who attempted a half-volleyed effort that was foiled by the packed defense in the area. 

After the interval, Bluewings were taking the game to Evergrande and they almost broke the deadlock after a dominating spell as the effective Park Sang-hyeok unleashed a couple of fierce shots after slick combination play, but Liu stood equal to them and managed to repel the onslaught. 

"It's a shame that we are unable to find the net considering the fact that we played pretty well today," observed Bluewings coach Park Kun-Ha. 

Bluewings still ensured there would be a frantic finale after Ko tried to create the winning goal, but much to Evergrande supporters' relief – Liu stood firm.

Shanghai SIPG's Hulk dribbles during their AFC Champions League clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Shanghai SIPG's Hulk dribbles during their AFC Champions League clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Later in the day, Shanghai SIPG continued their fine form and made it two wins from two after overwhelming Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1. 

Vitor Perreira's men made the breakthrough early in the first-half as Lyu Wenjun showed splendid composure by controlling a long clearance from goalkeeper Chen Wei before finishing with an accurate finish. 

Hyundai Motors' Gustavo leveled the score with an emphatic shot just minutes later, but SIPG talisman Hulk made the game safe with a penalty after former Chelsea star Oscar was brought down in the box.

Shanghai SIPG's Oscar (L) is a constant threat during their AFC Champions League clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

Shanghai SIPG's Oscar (L) is a constant threat during their AFC Champions League clash with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar, November 22, 2020. /CFP

The second straight win moved SIPG level with Yokohama F. Marinos with six points and Perreira saluted his players' fighting spirit as the team proved they can cope without veteran Yan Junling by grinding out a deserved victory. 

"I'm satisfied with each and every player who did their utmost to fight on the pitch," beamed Perreira. "I'm delighted with the result and their hard works."