Beijing, Shandong win as Fellaini scores maiden goal in China

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Chinese sides Beijing FC and Shandong Luneng finally scored their first victories in Round 3 of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night.

Facing Thai League 1 reigning champion Buriram United, who beat Asian powerhouse Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of the Republic of Korea at home in the last round, Beijing won 3-1, thanks to a hat-trick by Cedric Bakambu.

The French-born Congolese opened the scoring in only the second minute with an assist from Li Lei, and added a second in the 29th minute from a cross by Brazilian Renato Augusto.

Bakambu added a third goal nine minutes after half-time, while Suphanat Mueanta made Buriram United scored a consolation goal for the hosts ten minutes from time.

Cedric Bakambu of Beijing is tackled by Buriram United's goalkeeper during the AFC Champions League Group G match Round 3 at Buriram Stadium, Thailand, April 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

For Shandong, Marouane Fellaini scored his first goal since joining the Oranges, who welcomed their first win after two draws in the tournament, by beating Malaysia Super League's champion Johor Darul Ta'zim 2-1 at home.

The former Manchester United midfielder, without his trademark Afro, sent a header into the net from very close range on the half-hour mark. And Italian striker Graziano Pelle scored for the third straight group game nine minutes later to become the top scorer in the tournament with four goals.

Marouane Fellaini (R) of Shandong Luneng dribbles the ball at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, Jinan, Shandong Province, China, April 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

Johor's Safawi Rasid assisted by Afiq Fazail scored their only goal at the 59th minute.

Other results on Tuesday:

Gyeongnam FC (KOR) 2-3 Kashima Antlers (JPN),

Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 0-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR).