简体中文
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC achieved a dignified AFC Champions League exit by defeating already qualified Shanghai SIPG 2-0 during the last group stage game in Doha on Friday.
The K League 1 champions had already been eliminated as they collected just four points from their previous five matches, while three wins in five were enough for Vitor Perreira's Shanghai SIPG to join group leaders Yokohama F. Marinos in the next round.
Cho Gue-sung, 22, put Jeonbuk ahead in the 16th minute with a header from the center of the box from a measured cross from Lee Sung-hoon that surprised the Shanghai SIPG defense.
As the Chinese giants struggled to gain control, Jeonbuk consolidated their advantage, scoring from a penalty in the 32nd after another Lee Sung-yoon pass found Cho, whose shirt was pulled preventing him from taking a shot.
Players tussle for the ball during the AFC Champions League Group H match between Shanghai SIPG and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Doha, Qatar, December 4, 2020. /VCG
Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira said he was forced to give inexperienced squad members game time because of the tight schedule of the competition.
"We lost today but we played six young players, a lot of them without even one minute in the competition or in the Chinese League," said Pereira. "It means it was their first game of the season. I think they did well. "
Meanwhile, Sydney FC meanwhile claimed a 1-1 draw with Yokohama F. Marinos by holding the group toppers from Japan despite finishing bottom with five points from six matches that included just one win.
Shanghai SIPG face Group G winners Vissel Kobe in the Round of 16, while Beijing Guoan will fight against FC Tokyo.
(With input from agencies)
