Shandong Luneng edge past Auckland City 2-1 in Lunar New Year Cup
Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng notched up a hard-fought 2-1 win over their rivals from Auckland City, New Zealand, in their opening game of the Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong.
Shandong were playing with their best possible squad with Graziano Pelle and Roger Krug Guedes both being brought in up front.
The much-anticipated debut for Luneng's new signing from Manchester United Marouane Fellaini was delayed due to injury, much to the disappointment of local fans.
Brazilian striker Roger Guedes (in orange) of Shandong Luneng FC gets his scoring during Chinese New Year Cup 2019 match against Auckland City FC at Hong Kong Stadium in the Hong Kong SAR, February 5, 2019. /VCG Photo
Shandong fell behind one minute into the second half after Micah Lea'alafa fired Auckland in front.
But Guedes stepped up for the Super League side by equalizing in the 57th minute.
The Brazilian striker completed a brace two minutes from time to help Luneng win 2-1.
Li Xiaopeng's men will now face Japan's Sagan Tosu in the Lunar New Year Cup final. The J-League side has beaten a selected team from Hong Kong through penalties to storm into the tournament finale.