In an electrifying match at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on Tuesday, Shanghai Port from the Chinese Super League triumphed over South Korea’s Ulsan HD with a 3-1 victory in the AFC Champions League Elite game.
Argentine striker Matias Vargas was the star of the night, delivering a remarkable hat trick, with all three goals expertly assisted by Brazilian midfielder Oscar. The duo showcased outstanding synergy, propelling Shanghai Port to a crucial win in the competition.
Shanghai Port took an early lead in the 11th minute. A swift counterattack down the left wing saw Oscar receive the ball at the edge of the box. He deftly passed to Vargas, who evaded a defender and fired a precise shot into the bottom left corner, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.
Just twelve minutes later, in the 23rd minute, Oscar intercepted a pass inside Ulsan’s penalty area. Spotting an unmarked Vargas, he provided a quick assist, allowing Vargas to double the lead with ease. This marked the third consecutive AFC Champions League Elite game where the Oscar-Vargas partnership yielded goals.
The match took a challenging turn for Shanghai Port in the 31st minute when defender Li Ang received a red card for pulling down Ulsan’s Lee Chung-yong from behind, reducing the team to ten men.
Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Ulsan HD intensified their attacks and found the net in the 73rd minute. Joo Min-Kyu headed a corner kick from the right, the ball bouncing off the turf and changing direction before landing in the goal, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
Despite the pressure, Shanghai Port sealed their victory in the 83rd minute. Vargas completed his hat trick after receiving another assist from Oscar. With a powerful strike from outside the box, he sent the ball soaring into Ulsan’s net, securing a 3-1 win for his team.
This impressive performance elevated Shanghai Port to eighth place in the East Region standings, placing them within the knockout stage qualification zone. The win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in the competitive AFC Champions League.
Reference(s):
Vargas, Oscar power Shanghai Port past Ulsan in AFC Champions League
cgtn.com
