AFC Champions League: Chinese sides shine against Korean opponents

World
Europe

It was a productive night for Chinese clubs in the 2018 AFC Champions League as two of the premier sides, Tianjin Quanjian and Guangzhou Evergrande outclassed their respective South Korean opponents to inch closer to the round of 16.

Late goals from Anthony Modeste and Alexandre Pato gave Tianjin Quanjian an important 4-2 victory over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Matchday Four of the prestigious continental tournament on Wednesday.

Played at the Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, the home side drew the first blood as Wang Yongpo finished off some nice lead-up work from Brazilian striker Pato and Modeste.

However, Kim Shin-wook, who scored a hat-trick against Tianjin last week, leveled the score for the visitors.

The home side took the lead with Zhang Cheng’s header in the 55th minute putting them ahead 2-1.

But Jeonbuk fought back once again and drew the score level with just over 20 minutes to go, when Adriano bundled the ball home after a slight deflection off Zheng Cheng.

Wang Yongpo celebrates after scoring the first goal against Jeonbuk Hyundai. /VCG Photo

After missing several earlier chances, Modeste finally got the much-deserved goal in the 84th minute, chipping the keeper to put his side 3-2 ahead, before Pato sealed the win and all three points with a goal in injury time.

The win keeps Tianjin Quanjian in second spot in Group E, now just two points behind Jeonbuk Hyundai who remain in top spot, but importantly they now sit three points clear of third-placed Kashiwa Reysol.

Guangzhou Evergrande players celebrate after scoring a goal against Jeju United. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, in a Group G game in Jeju, Guangzhou Evergrande clinched a 2-0 victory over hosts, Jeju United to move closer to a round of 16 berth.

The visitors took the lead with a stunning strike from 20 yards in the 27th minute. The Chinese side went two up 10 minutes later when Alan stole in to head home Yu Hanchao’s deep cross from just inside the six-yard box.

Jeju kept pushing but Guangzhou defended well as they moved one step closer to the last 16. The result leaves Guangzhou three points clear of Buriram United and Cerezo Osaka at the top of the group with eight points from their four games, while Jeju remain bottom on three points.