Chengdu Rongcheng delivered a gritty display at Chengdu Phoenix Mountain Stadium on Tuesday, defeating South Korea's Gangwon FC 1-0 in a tense AFC Champions League Elite clash. Zhou Dingyang's 35th-minute volley – a clinical finish from Yang Shuai's headed assist – proved decisive, marking Chengdu's first group-stage victory after an opening loss to Ulsan HD FC.
Gangwon pressed late, with Yun Il-lok narrowly missing a 74th-minute equalizer, but goalkeeper Jian Tao's decisive punch secured Chengdu's hard-fought three points. The result revitalizes Chengdu's continental campaign ahead of their next fixture.
Meanwhile, Chinese Super League leaders Shanghai Port showed resilience in Hiroshima, rallying to a 1-1 draw against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Substitute Gabriel Souza became the hero with an 83rd-minute solo effort, sprinting from midfield to slot home after Hayato Araki's first-half header threatened an upset. The match ended dramatically as Shanghai's Gustavo received a late red card, but the visitors held firm to secure a valuable away point.
