Chengdu Rongcheng grinds out narrow win, Shanghai Port held to draw

Chengdu Rongcheng produced a gritty, late-turning display at home to beat Gangwon FC 1-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite fixture on Tuesday, with Zhou Dingyang's volley proving decisive.  

After an opening half hour in which Chengdu barely ventured forward, Zhou seized the moment in the 35th minute, meeting Yang Shuai's header and thumping a finish past a scrambling Lee Gwang‑yeon. The goal gave Chengdu their first three points after an opening-day loss to K League side Ulsan HD FC.

Gangwon threatened late, but Jian Tao rushed out to punch a Goo Boon‑cheol cross away in the 74th, with Yun Il‑lok then curling the loose ball just wide, but Chengdu held firm.

Elsewhere, CSL leaders Shanghai Port fought back for a 1-1 draw with Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima.  

Sanfrecce's crisp passing produced the opener in the 19th when Hayato Araki rose unmarked to nod home Shunki Higashi's outswinging corner. Shanghai found parity in the 83rd minute through substitute Gabriel Souza, who picked the ball up just inside the opposition half, galloped free and drilled a low shot past Keisuke Osako.  

Shanghai striker Gustavo was sent off for violent conduct in added time, but the Chinese giants managed to see out a valuable point.