Shandong Taishan of the Chinese Super League clinched a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Bangkok United of Thai League 1 at home on Tuesday.
The match was evenly contested from the outset, with both teams creating several opportunities but failing to capitalize. Bangkok United broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Richairo Zivkovic found the back of the net. Despite replays suggesting a potential offside, the absence of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) meant the goal stood.
Shandong Taishan responded swiftly, equalizing in the 43rd minute. A clever short corner found Valeri Qazaishvili on the edge of the box, who fired a precise shot from distance to level the score before halftime.
The second half and extra time saw both sides striving for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock. The match proceeded to a tense penalty shootout to decide the victor.
Shandong Taishan held their nerve in the shootout, successfully converting four of their five penalties. Goalkeeper Wang Dalei made crucial saves, while only Li Yuanyi’s attempt was thwarted by Bangkok’s keeper. Bangkok United missed two of their penalties, sealing Shandong’s advancement.
With this victory, Shandong Taishan joins fellow Chinese Super League clubs Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, which kicks off on September 17.
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Shandong Taishan advance to group stage of AFC Champions League Elite
cgtn.com
