Chinese Super League (CSL) side Shanghai SIPG suffered shock 1-3 defeat at the hands of their Japanese rivals Kashima Antlers in their AFC Champions League LAST 16 tie on Wednesday.

However, Elkeson’s second-half strike gave Shanghai SIPG a much-needed lifeline as they will have a chance to accomplish a turn around with the help of the crucial away goal.

Kashima bit the dust at the same stage last year on away goals and was knocked out of the competition by Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. However, they began their first leg at home against Shanghai on a positive note and were dominant in the first half. Their efforts paid off as Yuma Suzuki took the lead two minutes before the break.

Chinese Super League (CSL) side Shanghai SIPG suffered shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of their Japanese rivals Kashima Antlers in their AFC Champions League LAST 16 tie on Wednesday. However, Elkeson’s second-half strike gave Shanghai SIPG a much-needed lifeline as they will have a chance to accomplish a turn around with the help of the crucial away goal. Kashima bit the dust at the same stage last year on away goals and were knocked out of the competition by Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. However, they began their first leg at home against Shanghai on a positive note and were dominant in the first half. Their efforts paid off as Yuma Suzuki took the lead two minutes before the break.

Soon after the break, the hosts doubled their lead as Daigo Nishi found the net after an erratic Shanghai fumbled during a corner. Even though Shanghai stepped up the pressure, Kashima made it 3-0 against the run of play as Yu Hai scored an own goal. However, the full-back made amends two minutes later, helping Brazilian Elkeson score the much-needed away goal. This gave Vitor Pereira's side a glimmer of hope of making it to the quarterfinals if they can produce a memorable comeback win in the return fixture.