Tianjin Quanjian end their journey in AFC Champions League

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Tianjin Quanjian's hope to reach the AFC Champions League last four was shattered as they suffered a 3-0 defeat by Kashima Antlers of Japan in their quarter-final second leg on Tuesday.

Quanjian lost their first leg of the quarter-final 2-0 to Kashima three weeks ago, and with the 2nd leg result ending in 3-0, the Kashima Antlers finished the quarter-final with a score of 5-0 over the Tianjin Quanjian.

In the beginning of the game, Quanjian's top star Alexandre Pato had a good chance and getting a goal. However, he volleyed straight at the visiting goalkeeper and missed his opportunity.

Kashima scored the first goal in the 13th minute when Yasushi Endo swung a corner show to the near post. Serginho started from the left side, completely unmarked and nipped in ahead of Quanjian's goalkeeper Zhang Lu to lead the score.

Tianjin Quanjian's goalkeeper Zhang Lu punches the ball during the match, September 18, 2018. /VCG Photo

In the 27th minute, Kashima attacked down the right side of the field and Abe finished off the move with a calm finish, making the score 2-0. Another goal was added in the 2nd half of the match and ultimately finished the Chinese side's dream.

All Chinese teams are now out of the AFC Champions League. Moreover, a Chinese team has not won the AFC Champions League since Guangzhou Evergrande in 2015.

Kashima will play the winners of the Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in semi-final, with Suwon leading 3-0 in the first leg.