Chinese Super League clubs Chengdu Rongcheng and Shanghai Port suffered disappointing results in Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite matches, failing to secure crucial wins that would have boosted their chances of advancing to the East Zone's top eight.
At Phoenix Hill Sports Park, Chengdu Rongcheng surrendered a second-half lead to draw 1-1 with Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Brazilian striker Felipe opened the scoring through a 54th-minute penalty after captain Tim Chow was fouled in the box. However, Hiroshima's tactical substitutions proved decisive as substitutes Daiki Suga and Mutsuki Kato combined for a 63rd-minute equalizer.
The result leaves Chengdu 10th in the East Zone standings with five points, while Shanghai Port's match details were not disclosed in available reports. With only two matchdays remaining, both Chinese clubs face mounting pressure to improve their positions in Asia's premier club competition.
Analysts suggest these results highlight the growing competitiveness of East Asian football, with Japanese and South Korean clubs continuing to set high standards in continental tournaments. The performance of CSL teams remains closely watched by investors and sports analysts assessing China's football development trajectory.
