Shandong Taishan bolstered their chances of reaching the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 with an impressive 3-1 victory over Gwangju FC at home on Tuesday. All four goals erupted in a thrilling first half that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The match sprang to life in the 16th minute when Valeri Qazaishvili found himself unmarked and confidently slotted the ball home, giving Taishan an early 1-0 lead. The momentum continued for the hosts as Brazilian forward Zeca doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute with his first goal for the club.
Gwangju responded swiftly just two minutes later when Lee Min-ki’s deflected effort found the back of the net, halving the deficit to 2-1. However, Taishan restored their two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time, thanks to another Brazilian, Cryzan, who made it 3-1.
Despite the defeat, Gwangju have already secured their place in the knockout phase and currently sit fourth in the 12-team group. Shandong Taishan, now in sixth place, must win their final group match next week to guarantee progression to the last 16.
In another match, Shanghai Port faced a heavy 4-0 defeat against Japan’s Vissel Kobe. Despite goalkeeper Yan Junling’s penalty save, Shanghai couldn’t hold back the hosts. Goals from Yuya Osako, Koya Yuruki, Yuya Kuwasawa, and Yoshinori Muto sealed the comprehensive victory for Vissel Kobe, who advance comfortably into the knockout stage.
