Shanghai Shenhua showcased resilience in a gripping 1-1 draw against South Korea's Ulsan HD during Wednesday's AFC Champions League Elite group stage clash. The match at Shenhua's home ground saw both teams trade dramatic moments, keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.
The hosts nearly struck early when Luis Asue pounced on a defensive error in the 6th minute, only to be denied by Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. The visitors retaliated before halftime with Matias Lacava's powerful long-range attempt, comfortably saved by Shanghai's Xue Qinghao.
Three minutes after the break, Asue redeemed himself with a clinical finish off Joao Teixeira's deflected cross, sending the home crowd into raptures. Ulsan responded through Gustav Ludvigson's precise volley in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on Ko Seung-beom's setup to level the score.
Both teams pushed for a late winner, with Asue squandering another one-on-one opportunity in the 74th minute. The result leaves Group F finely balanced as Shenhua prepare to host FC Seoul next week, while Ulsan face Japan's Sanfreche Hiroshima in a crucial away fixture.
