简体中文
Shanghai SIPG joined Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing FC and Shanghai Shenhua to become the fourth Chinese team in the 2020 AFC Champions League Group Stage by beating Buriram United of Thailand 3-0 in the play-off match at Shanghai Yuanshen Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Affected by the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China, the match was held in the empty stadium. But, Li Shenglong of China, Marko Arnautovic of Austria, and Hulk of Brazil still helped the Chinese Super League (CSL) Season 2019's third-place win over the visitors.
Buriram United was the runner-up of Thai League 1 for last season, as well as the frequenter of AFC Champions League.
Li scored in the first few seconds after he substituted Lyu Wenjun at the 74th minute. Chen Binbin assisted Li from the left side as the latter was defended by nobody on the right side of the goal.
Arnautovic grasped the ball from the right-side Oscar to add a second one in the 92nd minute in front of the goal. Then, in the 95th minute, Oscar fell in the box to let Hulk fire a penalty.
The victory made Shanghai SIPG face Sydney FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in Group H.
After other play-off matches finished, Kashima Antlers of Japan was knocked out by a 0-1 loss at home from Melbourne Victor, and that is good news for Beijing FC.
Groups for Chinese clubs
Group E: Beijing FC (Beijing Guoan FC), Chiangrai United of Thailand, Melbourne Victory of Australia and FC Seoul of South Korea.
Group F: Shanghai Shenhua, Ulsan Hyundai FC of South Korea, Perth Glory of Australia and FC Tokyo of Japan.`
Group G: Guangzhou Evergrande, Vissel Kobe of Japan, Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea and Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia.
Fixtures for Chinese clubs
February 11: Beijing FC vs. Seoul FC
February 11: Perth Glory vs. Shanghai Shenhua
February 12: Sydney FC vs. Shanghai SIPG
February 12: Guangzhou Evergrande vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings
(Cover: Li Shenglong and Oscar of Shanghai SIPG celebrate during the AFC Champions League Play-off match against Buriram United of Thailand, Shanghai, January 28, 2020. /VCG Photo)
