AFC Champions League struggles continue for CSL giants as qualification hopes dim

Wednesday was a woeful night for Chinese Super League giants in the AFC Champions League Elite, as Shandong Taishan suffered a 4-0 thrashing on the road against Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, while Shanghai Shenhua allowed South Korean champions Ulsan HD to earn their first points of the campaign after a 2-1 loss at home.

In their encounter with Kawasaki, Shandong struggled to find any rhythm, while being dominated for the entirety of the game. Goals from Marcinho, Yuki Yamamoto, Jesiel and Shin Yamada secured a convincing victory for Frontale, moving them up to 12 points in the standings.

The only silver lining for Taishan was Xie Wenneng whose attacking efforts resulted in a few rare shots on goal. He created two clear scoring opportunities in the 10th and 65th minutes, but both chances were brilliantly saved by Ulsan goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong. Shandong striker Zeca's shot struck the woodwork, further underscoring Taishan's misfortune throughout the match.

Shenhua's display was equally troubling. After enduring six consecutive defeats in the AFC Champions League Elite, Ulsan finally found their footing in Shanghai. Yago Carillo and Kang Min-Woo struck in the 58th and 66th minutes, respectively, overturning a 23rd-minute opener by Andre Luis.

Shenhua have now conceded nine goals in six Asian outings – a stark contrast to their defensive prowess in the Chinese Super League, where they were this season's stingiest team, allowing just 20 goals across 30 matches and averaging less than one goal against per game. On the Asian stage, however, the club from Shanghai's defense has faltered. Shenhua have only managed a clean sheet against Kawasaki, while conceding in their other five matches.

Currently, among the three CSL outfits competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, only Shanghai Port, sitting in seventh place, are in a favorable position. Shenhua and Taishan, on the other hand, are languishing in the ninth and tenth spots, respectively, outside the top eight necessary for qualification to the next phase. And with just two matchdays remaining in the group stage, the prospects for the three CSL teams to advance look increasingly grim.