Bruno Genesio must surely have thought his days as Beijing Guoan coach were numbered after his depleted team ended the coronavirus-disrupted Chinese Super League season empty-handed when they were ruthlessly knocked out by Guangzhou Evergrande in early November. Rumor has it that the 54-year-old French tactician had even packed his luggage and was ready to go. 

But exactly one month later, Genesio saw his side make history in the AFC Champions League by putting South Korean giants FC Seoul to the sword. Their club-record 5th consecutive victory at the showpiece tournament means they clinched the top spot in their group with a game to spare.  

It represents a remarkable change in fortunes for Genesio, who banished the bitter disappointment of their domestic campaign and have found salvation on the Asian stage.

Genesio claimed he had been reassured by Guoan's calmness even in a tense period during which Seoul threatened to equalize. It was his side's resilience after Won Jun-tae finally pulled one back that really offered promise. 

Jonathan Viera was the creative spark, forever bursting away from the marker and starting attacks that have illuminated Guoan's approach in recent outings.His fantastic free-kick in the first half that powered through a gap in the wall into the far corner with too much force for the keeper, was another demonstration of his top quality. 

Renato Augusto, vigorous and crafty, constantly unsettled Seoul's defensive line and marked a flawless performance with a stunning volley that doubled Guoan's advantage. 

Seoul rallied towards the end and they did have a couple of flickers in the closing stages, when Guoan slowed the tempo and compressed the space. Yet Genesio's team were able to turn the screw when Zhang Yuning came off the bench to put the icing on the cake after a superb solo run.  

There will, of course, be a temptation to say Genesio has instigated a dramatic improvement, even though this was a display of real authority. It should be resisted simply out of respect for the fact that things could get complicated quickly in the knockout phase. But the former Lyon veteran did establish one thing beyond any doubt. Guoan laid down a marker at the group stage.