In a nail-biting AFC Champions League Round of 16 encounter, Yokohama F. Marinos clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Shanghai Port, thanks to a first-half strike from Anderson Lopes at Pudong Stadium.
The Brazilian forward found the back of the net in the 30th minute, capitalizing on swift passes that dismantled Shanghai Port’s defense on the left flank. Lopes nearly extended the lead before halftime, but Shanghai Port’s goalkeeper Yan Junling showcased his skills with two impressive saves, keeping the Chinese champions in the contest.
Shanghai Port struggled to mount an effective attack until substitute Li Shuai unleashed a powerful shot in the 69th minute that rattled the crossbar, leaving Marinos’ keeper Park Il-gyu frozen. The home side’s frustration continued as Elber’s header in the 85th minute narrowly missed the target, grazing the far post.
The narrow win gives Yokohama F. Marinos a slight edge heading into the second leg, but with Shanghai Port’s resilience, the tie remains finely poised.
In another exciting match on Tuesday, Al Ahli secured a commanding 3-1 home victory over Qatar’s Al Rayyan. Goals from Galeno and Riyad Mahrez set the tone, and Firas Al Brikan’s stoppage-time finish solidified the win. Al Ahli carries a two-goal advantage into the return fixture in Jeddah next week.
