Wednesday proved to be a challenging night for Chinese Super League (CSL) giants in the AFC Champions League Elite. Shandong Taishan faced a crushing 4-0 defeat against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on the road, while Shanghai Shenhua suffered a 2-1 loss at home to South Korean champions Ulsan HD. These results have significantly dimmed their hopes of advancing in the competition.
In their clash with Kawasaki Frontale, Shandong Taishan struggled to find their footing, facing relentless pressure throughout the match. Kawasaki’s attacking prowess was on full display as goals from Marcinho, Yuki Yamamoto, Jesiel, and Shin Yamada secured a commanding victory for the Japanese side, elevating them to 12 points in the standings.
Despite the heavy defeat, there were moments of promise for Shandong. Forward Xie Wenneng spearheaded their rare offensive efforts, creating two clear scoring opportunities in the 10th and 65th minutes. However, both attempts were brilliantly saved by Ulsan goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong, highlighting Taishan’s misfortune on the night.
Adding to their woes, Shandong striker Zeca saw his shot cannon off the woodwork, narrowly missing the chance to alter the momentum of the game. The missed opportunities underscored the challenges faced by the CSL side in a highly competitive group stage.
Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua’s encounter with Ulsan HD was equally disheartening. Despite playing on home turf, they conceded two goals that sealed their fate, allowing Ulsan to earn their first points of the campaign. The losses for both CSL teams not only impact their standings but also reflect the increasing competitiveness of Asian club football.
As the group stage progresses, Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua will need to regroup and strategize effectively if they hope to keep their qualification aspirations alive. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the tournament.
Reference(s):
Asian struggles continue for CSL giants as qualification hopes dim
cgtn.com
