SIPG beats Evergrande 2-1 in FA Cup semi-final

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Shanghai SIPG pulled off a last minute comeback to register a 2-1 victory over Guangzhou Evergrande in the first leg of FA Cup semifinal at Shanghai Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was SIPG's first-ever victory over its title rival in Shanghai. The win gives the Shanghai side a slim advantage going into the second leg in Guangzhou. SIPG had never before beaten the mighty Evergrande, who have ruled over the country's top league for the last six years. But as this game showed, the times may be changing.

Liu Jian of Evergrande. /CFP Photo

Evergrande were playing their first match after former midfielder Brazilian Paulinho's transfer to Barcelona earlier on Tuesday. The team was forced to make some quick adjustments to the line-up. Nevertheless, the visitors were the first to strike in the 19th minute when captain Liu Jian scored with a header from a corner giving the team a 1-0 lead.

Odil Ahmedov of SIPG. /CFP Photo

SIPG nearly equalized with Lyu Wenjun's header seconds before the break, but instead it went off Evergrande's post. Having their attack strengthened after the break, the Shanghai team pulled one back nine minutes into the second half. Hulk's shot was blocked by Guangzhou goalkeeper Liu Dianzuo, but the ball went to Uzbek midfielder Odil Ahmedov who put it past the post to get the equalizer.

He Guan celebrates after socring a goal. /CFP Photo

Ahmedov and Hulk then hit the post and bar in turn as SIPG went all out for the winner. Just when the 25,000 home fans thought they had to settle for a draw, He Guan came to SIPG's rescue, heading in a long free kick from Hulk in the stoppage time.