Yokohama Marinos edge Shanghai Port in ACL Elite showdown

A clinical first-leg strike from Anderson Lopes handed Yokohama F. Marinos a precious 1-0 advantage over Shanghai Port in their AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 clash, though the Chinese champions remain alive thanks to goalkeeper Yan Junling's heroics at Pudong Stadium.  

The 2023 runners-up showcased continental pedigree when Lopes broke through in the 30th minute, slotting home after intelligent interplay exposed Shanghai's left flank. The Brazilian marksman nearly claimed a hat-trick before halftime, but Yan produced two reflex saves to deny the talisman.  

The hosts' attack sputtered until the 69th minute when substitute Li Shuai rattled the crossbar with a driven effort that had Marinos keeper Park Il-gyu stranded. The woodwork denied the hosts again in the 85th minute as Elber's glancing header off Jun Amano's whipped cross grazed the far post.  

In Tuesday's other marquee tie, Al Ahli seized control of their knockout clash with a 3-1 home victory over Qatar's Al Rayyan. Galeno's opener and Riyad Mahrez's rocket established dominance before Firas Al Brikan's stoppage-time dagger effectively ended the contest. The Saudis now carry a two-goal cushion into next week's return in Jeddah.