In the second round of the AFC Champions League group stage, the Chinese Super League made its debut with last season's FA Cup winners and Chinese Super League runners-up Taishan against J-League powerhouse Yokohama Mariners. In the first round of the group stage, Taishan visited Philippine powerhouse Kaya FC and won easily 3-1, a good start, while Yokohama Mariners lost 2-4 to K-League powerhouse Incheon United, who are temporarily at the top of the table. Taishan is temporarily in second place. Back at home this time, the market is hot for Taishan, with Choi aiming for two wins in a row in an effort to top the group as soon as possible, but Yokohama Mariners also want three points.
Starting lineup, Taishan used 4231 offensive and defensive formation, goalkeeper Wang Dalei, Jadason, Shi Ke double center back, Liu Yang, Wang Tong split between the left and right sides, Liao Lixiang and Li Yuan a pair of midfielders, Moises, Chen Pu, Cressan form three forwards, Fellaini single arrow forward. Yokohama Mariners also 4231 formation, Ichimori Jun defends the city, Matsubara Ken, Kamishima Tendo, Kakuta Ryotaro, Kato Sei form four defenders, Yoshio Kaisa, Yamane Roku form a pair of central midfielders, Mizunuma Hongtai, Minami Tae-hee, Elber partner three forwards, Uekichu Asahi in front of the front.
After the start, both sides played in the midfield, with Taishan more active on both sides, Moises and Chen Pu got a shot, the latter was ruled offside, and Yokohama Mariners mainly penetrated the middle of the field, going through the Taishan defense in the 29th minute, and Shih Ke cleared the ball. In the 37th minute, Yokohama Mariners continued to threaten the offense, Elber worked with his teammates and then crossed the ball inside the penalty area, and Hong Mizunuma was too quick to rush into the net. Yokohama Mariners led by a goal in the first half, and Taishan was passive.
The change of sides allowed Choi Kang-hee to replace Lee Won-il with Xie Wen to strengthen the midfield attack. Pato then replaced Chan Pu as well, as Taishan launched an onslaught of attacks and began to get used to the tactics, using crosses and headers to find chances. However, Yokohama Mariners were also ready for the game and controlled the tempo of the game with around 65% possession. Taishan took 10 shots on goal, but failed to score a single goal.
In the end, Taishan lost by 1 goal at home and Yokohama earned their first win in this year's AFC Champions League. Both sides shared three points for second place in the group. In the other group match, Incheon United made light work of Kaya FC and led the Group G standings with two consecutive wins.
