Shandong withdraw from ACL Elite, Shanghai Port fall against Marinos

In the AFC Champions League Elite, China's Shandong Taishan arrived in South Korea to face Ulsan but withdrew from the match, and subsequently the entire tournament.

According to the team, they couldn't form a line-up due to serious health problems. That has paved the way for fellow Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port to advance to the last 16 in Shandong's place, despite a 2-0 defeat at home to Yokohama F. Marinos.

Shanghai Port thought they took the lead in the 11th minute, but after some scrappy play, Leonardo's strike was ruled out for offside. 

Yokohama then went in front 19 minutes after the re-start thanks to a brilliant finish from Asahi Uenaka. The Japanese side then made it 2-0 five minutes later through Jun Amano.  

Steve Holland's men ended the East Group top, while Port finished 10th but could still qualify because Shandong's results have now been annulled. The AFC still have to work out how to deal with their withdrawal with no timeline given, with the knockout stage starting in early march.